Tesselata Eel
Tesselata Eel, Gymnothorax favagineus, is one of the largest members of the Eel family. Also known as the Lace Moray, its nearly-white, cream color body has dark brown or black spots that create a honeycomb appearance over the entire body and head. Its maximum captive length is considered to be around five feet (yet over nine feet in the wild), so it should be kept in only the largest of home aquariums. Largely a nocturnal feeder, the Tesselata Eel will often be visible during the day, even if only when peering out from under or between any decorative rock provided. Eels are hearty eaters who also produce a great deal of waste. Because of this, a well-established aquarium and excellent water filtration is highly recommended. Larger Tesselata Eels are notoriously aggressive and may attack humans if provoked. Its natural home encompasses the Indo-Pacific from the Red Sea down to the Australian Coast. Larger specimens are ciguatoxic as they secrete a toxin, making their skin poisonous to eat. This Eel is undoubtedly a carnivore who prefers meaty foods including silversides, krill, clam, and carnivore preparations. It may be kept with other aggressive fish, as long as the fish do not fit into the Eel's mouth. As with all Eels, an aquarium with a tight-fitting cover must be provided to prevent escape.
Approximate Arrival Size for Tesselata Eel: Small - 5" to 8", Medium - 9" to 12", Large - 13"+
Detailed Information about this species.
