The zebra moray is considered as a medium-sized fish even if it can reach a maximum length of 150 cm.

[2] It is densely banded dark and whitish, giving rise to its common name.

The zebra moray is widespread throughout the Indo-Pacific area from eastern coast of Africa until western coast of the Americas, including the Red Sea, Hawaii and Galápagos.

[4][5] The zebra moray is a benthic fish, its favorite habitat corresponds to the rocky or coral reef on coastal shallow water up to 40 meters deep.

Unlike most other moray eels, it feeds exclusively on crustaceans, sea urchins and mollusks.