Tessalata Eel Compatibility: Choosing the Right Tank Mates for Your Eel

Tessalata Eels, also known as Honeycomb Moray Eels (Gymnothorax favagineus), are fascinating and striking additions to a marine aquarium. Their unique honeycomb pattern and inquisitiveness make them a favorite among many aquarists. However, keeping a Tessalata Eel requires careful consideration, especially when selecting suitable tank mates.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the compatibility of Tessalata Eels and offer insights into choosing suitable tank mates to ensure a harmonious and healthy environment for all inhabitants.

Understanding the Tessalata Eel

Habitat and Behavior

Tessalata Eels are native to the Indo-Pacific region, inhabiting coral reefs and rocky areas. In the wild, they are known for their nocturnal hunting habits, preying on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. In captivity, Tessalata Eels can grow up to six feet long, making them one of the larger eel species commonly kept in home aquariums.

Temperament

Tessalata Eels are generally solitary and can be aggressive, especially towards smaller fish and invertebrates. Their predatory instincts and territorial nature require ample space and hiding spots to feel secure. Understanding their behavior is crucial in ensuring their well-being and compatibility with other tank inhabitants.

Diet

In the wild, Tessalata Eels feed on prey, including fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods. In captivity, they should be fed a diet of fresh or frozen seafood such as shrimp, squid, and fish fillets. Feeding them two to three times a week is sufficient, but be careful not to overfeed, as this can lead to poor water quality.

Ideal Tank Conditions

Tank Size

Given their potential size, Tessalata Eels need a spacious tank. A minimum of 180 gallons is recommended, with larger tanks preferable to accommodate their growth and activity levels. Providing ample swimming space is essential for their physical health and mental stimulation.

Aquascaping

Provide plenty of rockwork and hiding spots. Tessalata Eels appreciate caves and crevices where they can retreat and feel secure. A well-structured aquascape will also help reduce aggression by offering multiple territories within the tank. Use live rock to create natural hiding spots and enhance the aquarium’s biological filtration.

Water Parameters

Maintain stable water conditions with the following parameters:

Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C)
Salinity: 1.020-1.025
pH: 8.1-8.4 Regular water changes and efficient filtration are crucial to managing the bioload and maintaining water quality. Use a high-quality protein skimmer and consider adding a UV sterilizer to help control parasites and harmful bacteria.

Compatible Tank Mates

Large, Robust Fish

When selecting tank mates for your Tessalata Eel, opt for larger, robust fish that can coexist without becoming prey. Some suitable options include:

Triggerfish: Known for their toughness and size, triggerfish can hold their own against an eel. Species like the Clown Triggerfish (Balistoides conspicillum) and Niger Triggerfish (Odonus niger) are excellent choices.
Groupers: Large groupers are hardy and can usually coexist peacefully with eels. The Panther Grouper (Cromileptes altivelis) and Miniatus Grouper (Cephalopholis miniata) are popular options.
Angelfish: Tessalata eels are less likely to target larger angelfish species. The Emperor Angelfish (Pomacanthus imperator) and Queen Angelfish (Holacanthus ciliaris) are good examples.
Surgeonfish/Tangs: Their size and peaceful nature make them good companions for eels. The Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus), Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens), and Sailfin Tang (Zebrasoma veliferum) are excellent choices.
Lionfish: While venomous, lionfish are slow-moving and unlikely to provoke an eel. The Volitan Lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a popular choice for larger tanks.
Pufferfish: Large puffers like the Stars and Stripes Puffer (Arothron hispidus) or Dogface Puffer (Arothron nigropunctatus) are robust and usually get along well with eels.
Hawkfish: Larger hawkfish, such as the Flame Hawkfish (Neocirrhites armatus) and Longnose Hawkfish (Oxycirrhites typus), are hardy and can be good tank mates.

Non-Aggressive Species

Choose non-aggressive species to avoid confrontations. Aggressive fish may provoke the eel or be injured in territorial disputes. Suitable non-aggressive tank mates include:

Tangs: Tangs are excellent companions for eels because of their size and peaceful nature. The Blue Tang (Paracanthurus hepatus) and Yellow Tang (Zebrasoma flavescens) are excellent choices.
Rabbitfish: These are generally peaceful and grow large enough to avoid being seen as prey. The Foxface Rabbitfish (Siganus vulpinus) is a good example.
Lionfish: While venomous, lionfish are generally slow-moving and unlikely to provoke an eel. The Volitan Lionfish (Pterois volitans) is a popular choice for larger tanks.

Invertebrates

Avoid small, delicate invertebrates, as they may become prey. Larger, hard-shelled invertebrates like certain species of crabs and lobsters can sometimes coexist, but caution is advised. The Arrow Crab (Stenorhynchus seticornis) and Coral Banded Shrimp (Stenopus hispidus) are more resilient options, but always monitor their interactions closely.

Tank Mates to Avoid

Small Fish and Invertebrates

Smaller fish and invertebrates are at high risk of being eaten by a Tessalata Eel. Avoid species such as:

Clownfish: While popular in marine aquariums, they are too small to be safe with a Tessalata Eel.
Gobies: Their small size makes them an easy target for predation.
Shrimps: Most shrimp species, including cleaner shrimp and peppermint shrimp, will likely become prey.

Aggressive Fish

Highly aggressive fish can cause stress and injury to both themselves and the eel. Species to avoid include:

Damselfish: Known for their territorial behavior, they can provoke the eel and other tank mates.
Dottybacks: Their aggression can lead to conflicts and stress in the tank.
Wrasses: Some wrasse species can be too aggressive or small, making them unsuitable tank mates.

Tips for Successful Coexistence

Introduce Carefully

Introduce new tank mates gradually and monitor interactions closely. Be prepared to separate fish if aggression occurs. Use acclimation boxes or barriers initially to observe behavior before allowing direct interaction.

Provide Adequate Food

A well-fed eel is less likely to view tank mates as food. To keep your eel satiated, offer a varied diet of meaty foods like shrimp, squid, and fish. Consider using feeding tongs to deliver food directly to the eel to minimize competition and stress during feeding times.

Maintain Hiding Spots

Ensure there are enough hiding spots for all inhabitants. This helps reduce stress and territorial disputes. Create multiple caves and crevices within the rockwork to provide secure retreats for both the eel and other fish.

Monitor Water Quality

Maintaining excellent water quality is essential for the health of all tank inhabitants. Regularly test water parameters and perform routine maintenance to prevent ammonia spikes and other issues. A high bio load from large fish and eels requires efficient filtration and regular water changes.

Quarantine New Additions

Always quarantine new fish and invertebrates before introducing them to the main tank. This practice helps prevent spreading of diseases and parasites that can harm your Tessalata Eel and other tank mates.

Conclusion

Choosing suitable tank mates for your Tessalata Eel requires careful planning and consideration of each species’ temperament, size, and habitat needs. You can create a thriving and harmonious marine aquarium by selecting compatible, robust fish and providing a well-structured environment. Continuously monitor the tank dynamics and be prepared to make adjustments to ensure the health and well-being of all your aquatic pets.

Stay tuned to our blog for more tips and advice on marine aquarium care. Happy fishkeeping!