Striped Garden Eel Gorgasia Preclara

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:

• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)

• pH: 8.1–8.4

• Salinity: 1.020–1.025

• 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.