Common name: Whitespotted garden eel

General information

The Spotted Garden Eel, Gorgasia maculata, is a unique and fascinating species that adds a touch of the exotic to any marine aquarium. These eels are known for their slender bodies and distinctive spotted patterns. Unlike their larger moray cousins, garden eels are small and relatively sedentary, spending most of their time partially buried in the sand.

In the wild, they are often found in colonies, creating a mesmerizing 'garden' effect as they sway with the current. They are shy creatures and will retreat into their burrows if they feel threatened.

Care

Caring for Spotted Garden Eels can be challenging due to their specific needs. They require a deep sand bed for burrowing and a tank with a gentle current to mimic their natural habitat. These eels are also known to be picky eaters, preferring live foods such as zooplankton. It's essential to ensure a consistent food supply to keep them healthy and thriving.

Reproduction

Reproduction in the home aquarium is rare for Spotted Garden Eels. In the wild, they engage in a unique spawning behavior where they rise out of their burrows and release eggs and sperm into the water column.

Habitat

Spotted Garden Eels are typically found in warm, tropical waters at depths ranging from 7 to 45 meters. They inhabit sandy areas near coral reefs where they can easily burrow and have access to their planktonic food sources.

Their distribution spans across the Indo-Pacific region, from the eastern coast of Africa to Hawaii, and from Japan to Australia.