Description
Striped Garden Eel – Gorgasia preclara
Overview:
The Striped Garden Eel is a delicate and fascinating marine species known for its slender, elongated body with alternating black and white stripes, giving it a striking “zebra-like” appearance. Unlike typical fish, it spends most of its time anchored in the sand, swaying with water currents, creating a captivating natural display.
Origin:
Native to the Western Pacific, particularly around Indonesia, the Philippines, and Papua New Guinea, inhabiting sandy plains near coral reefs.
Feeding:
Planktivorous – feeds primarily on zooplankton and other microscopic drifting foods. In captivity, they require a steady supply of finely chopped live or frozen planktonic foods.
Tank Mates:
Best kept in peaceful, non-aggressive species-only setups. Avoid large, predatory fish that may disturb or prey upon them.
Aggression:
Non-aggressive – peaceful and shy by nature.
Experience Level:
Advanced – challenging to keep due to their specialized sand-dwelling behavior and delicate feeding requirements. Requires a deep, fine sand bed and gentle water flow.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
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pH: 8.1–8.4
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Salinity: 1.020–1.025
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Minimum Tank Size: 75+ gallons with deep sand substrate
The Striped Garden Eel is a mesmerizing and unique addition for experienced aquarists seeking a natural, dynamic display of marine life in sandy reef setups.
