Gorgasia preclara

Datasheet

General Description: The Splendid Garden Eel, scientifically known as Gorgasia preclara, belongs to the Congridae family. These eels are part of the subfamily Heterocongrinae and are characterized by their small, slender bodies and habit of living in colonies.

Aquarium Suitability: Suitable for special aquarium setups, Splendid Garden Eels are peaceful in temperament and require specific conditions to thrive. They do best in groups of at least three, with an optimal number ranging from 6 to 10 individuals. Each eel needs a substantial area with a minimum size of 12 by 12 inches, accommodated by a sandy substrate deep enough for them to burrow into.

Demands: The Splendid Garden Eel has average hardiness and requires a tank size of at least 200 liters. They are known to jump out of open aquariums, so a secure lid is essential to prevent escape. These eels prefer water conditions with a pH of 8.1-8.4, a specific gravity of 1.020-1.025, a temperature range of 22.2-25.6°C, and a carbonate hardness (KH) level of 8-12.

Care and Hardiness: To successfully care for Splendid Garden Eels, ensure a deep sandy substrate of at least 20 cm to mimic their natural habitat and provide enough space for burrowing. Frequent feeding, multiple times a day, is necessary, especially during the initial acclimatization period. Live foods like Artemia and zooplankton are crucial for their diet, though they can later be transitioned to frozen foods.

Reef Suitability: Despite their eel-like appearance, Splendid Garden Eels are always considered reef-safe and can coexist peacefully in a reef environment.

Aquarium Setup: When setting up an aquarium for Splendid Garden Eels, it is crucial to provide a deep layer of fine sand, resembling the length of the eels themselves, with additional sand if needed to prevent excessive swirling. These eels must not be kept with aggressive tankmates or creatures that may disrupt their burrowing habits.

Behaviour: Known for their shy nature, Splendid Garden Eels may initially be hesitant to emerge from their burrows in a new environment. However, once acclimated, they are reported to feed well and interact peacefully within their group.

Feeding and Diet: Their diet primarily consists of zooplankton from the water column, necessitating a food source rich in small crustaceans like krill, mysis, and Artemia. The eels should be fed multiple times a day, especially during the transition period, to encourage eating.

Habitat and Distribution: Naturally found in the Indo-West Pacific region, from the Maldives to Papua New Guinea and extending north to the Ryukyus, south to the Philippines and the Coral Sea, Splendid Garden Eels thrive in sandy substrates with ample space for burrowing and a diet rich in zooplankton.