Japanese Dragon Eel (Enchelycore pardalis)

Fish in the family Congridae. Expert care. Not Reef Safe.

Quick facts

Scientific nameEnchelycore pardalis

FamilyCongridae

Care levelExpert

Reef safetyNot Reef Safe

TemperamentAggressive

Dietcarnivore

Adult size40 in

Minimum tank size150 gallons

Water parametersTemperature: 72-78°F pH: 8-8.3 Salinity: 1.02-1.025

Feeding schedule2-3 times daily

Appearance

Enchelycore pardalis displays a distinctive yellow body with dark leopard-spot patterning and blue rings around the eyes and gill areas. The body is elongated and serpentine with prominent fangs visible when the mouth opens.

Diet and feeding

Feed small to medium-sized live or frozen foods including fish pieces, shrimp, squid, and krill. They are active hunters and should be fed 2-3 times weekly with appropriately-sized prey items.

Difficulty and care for the Japanese Dragon Eel

Moderate - Requires some experience due to specific dietary water or tank requirements. Best suited for intermediate aquarists.

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific, from Indonesia to the Philippines and the Great Barrier Reef region.

Log Japanese Dragon Eel in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Japanese Dragon Eel alongside everything else in your reef.

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