Magnificent Garden Eel (Gorgasia preclara)

Quick facts

Appearance

Gorgasia preclara is a long, slender garden eel with a predominantly pale tan or cream coloration and distinctive dark brown or black bands and blotches along its body. The head is proportionally small with large eyes positioned dorsally. Like other garden eels, it has a posterior dorsal fin and pectoral fins, with most of the body lacking paired ventral fins.

Diet and feeding

In the wild, garden eels feed on small zooplankton while hovering near their burrows. In captivity, they require frequent offerings of live copepods, mysid shrimp, or high-quality frozen zooplankton; target feeding may be necessary to ensure adequate intake.

Difficulty and care for the Magnificent Garden Eel

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

Common health issues

Marine ich, Fin rot, Swim bladder disorders, Bacterial septicaemia, Velvet disease

Origin and habitat

Indo-Pacific region, from Indonesia and the Philippines to the Great Barrier Reef, typically found in sandy and silty areas of coral reef environments at depths of 20–100 meters.