subadult
Echidna polyzona (Richardson, 1844)
When small , this secretive moray is marked with alternating broad dark and narrow light bars. The dark bars become less distinct on larger individuals; very large ones appear appear mottled brown. Like others of its genus, it has blunt conical teeth and feeds primarily on crustaceans, mostly at night. It is found most often in the shallows and along calm shorelines it sometimes forages in only inches of water. The Hawaiian names means lei of hala (Pandanus) fruits. To about 24 in. Indo-Pacific. Upper photo: small adult, Koloa Landing, Kaua`i. 20 ft. Lower photo: large adult (photo used with permission of David R. Schrichte).
adult