I think, like any fish, it would depend on the eel itself on how long it would eat. All the fish i have ever introduced to my tank (keep in mind, this is only a few) ate that day, including a baby snowflake eel. He ate once a day for a few days, and then up until 3 days ago he didnt eat for 3 weeks and was perfectly healthy. They can go a long time without food, and often times, do.
as of the zebra, yes, they are a much more hardier species and other types of eels. They are also similar to snowflakes in the sence that they only get about 2 feet long, and they are more crustacean eaters than fish. If well fed, they can be kept in a comunity tank with no losses.
your zebra should be fine as long as he eats well, you have pleanty of places to find, and your water quality is good. Use the method GoOtZ said to feed him. My eel doesnt eat all the time, unlike a goldfish, they will only eat when they are hungary.
