The discussion of keeping garden eels in an aquarium should start with the minimum and ideal dimensions of the aquarium housing the specimens. Because of their colonial nature, you will want to accommodate a minimum of 3 eels in your setup.
How do you take care of a garden eel?
A garden eel's diet is comprised of floating zooplankton brought to it by the water's current. The garden eel will always keep a part of its body inside the burrow even when feeding. If it cannot reach the food while also maintaining a “foot” in its burrow it will just simply let it pass by uneaten.
Are eels hard to keep?
This group includes many of the more fascinating eel species, but they are also difficult to keep in most home aquariums. I say this for a few reasons. First, they pose a risk to your health. Lastly, they will make quick work of any other fish in your aquarium and must therefore be kept in a species-only tank.
How much does a garden eel cost?
The price of a spotted garden eel ranges from $40 to $80. For a splendid eel, the price can be between $55 and $100.
Can you have a garden eel as a pet?
The Garden Eel should be kept in a 40 gallon or larger aquarium with at least 6 inches of sand, a gentle current, and without aggressive tank mates. Decor should be kept at a minimum. A tight-fitting lid is required to prevent escape.
What do garden eels do?
Although garden eels can swim freely, they choose instead to burrow into the sand. They anchor themselves to the hole by secreting a paste that sticks to the sides of the burrow. Then they emerge, drifting back and forth, feeding on plankton that passes by.Jun 1, 2020
Do garden eels have predators?
Predators. A garden eel's best defense is a quick retreat into its burrow, but some of its predators, including the snake eel and the trigger fish, have developed creative ways of reaching their prey.
How long do garden eels live?
35 - 40 years
Can you buy garden eels?
Unfortunately garden eels are often doomed to death because they are readily available for purchase to the saltwater aquarium hobby and become the victims of an impulse purchase that is not preceded or followed by an understanding and appreciation for providing them a suitable habitat (Hemdal 2009).
How much is a spotted garden eel worth?
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Do garden eels bite?
Garden eels are sexual reproducers and sexually dimorphic. In the mating season, the eels move their burrows closer together, until they are within reaching distance. Then, the male picks which female he wants to mate and defends her viciously, biting at the head and even the eyes of any other suitors.
Where do garden eels live?
Range. Spotted garden eels are widely distributed from the Indo-Pacific and northwestern Australia to the Red Sea and East Africa and are found in waters as deep as 150 feet. Colonies are usually found on sandy flats and slopes bordering coral reefs, sometimes living among seagrass for extra camouflage.
How big is a garden eel?
Can grow to about 24 inches (60 cm) in length although individuals of 14-16 inches (35-40 cm) are more common. Body diameter to about 0.5 inches (1.4 cm).