{"product_id":"tessalatta","title":"Tessalata Eel (Gymnothorax favagineus)","description":"\u003ch2 data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTessalata Eel (\u003ci data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"15\"\u003eGymnothorax favagineus\u003c\/i\u003e)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003eThe \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"4\"\u003eTessalata Eel\u003c\/b\u003e, also known as the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"37\"\u003eHoneycomb Moray\u003c\/b\u003e or \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"56\"\u003eLeopard Eel\u003c\/b\u003e, is one of the most visually stunning and imposing predators in the marine world. Found across the Indo-Pacific, including the deep reef crevices of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"217\"\u003eIndonesia\u003c\/b\u003e, it is famous for its intricate, geometric pattern. While it is a \"holy grail\" for many predator-tank enthusiasts, it is a massive animal that requires a specialized setup and a high level of respect.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eKey Information\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCommon Names:\u003c\/b\u003e Tessalata Eel, Honeycomb Moray, Leopard Moray, Giraffe Eel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"4,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"17\"\u003eGymnothorax favagineus\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/b\u003e Indo-Pacific (East Africa to Papua New Guinea, north to Japan)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMax Size:\u003c\/b\u003e 150–180 cm (approx. 5–6 feet) — \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"42\"\u003eOne of the largest morays!\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLifespan:\u003c\/b\u003e 15–30 years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"13\"\u003eAggressive \/ Predatory\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,6,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,6,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,6,0\" data-index-in-node=\"6\"\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/b\u003e – Fish and cephalopod eater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4,7,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4,7,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/b\u003e Moderate (due to size and biological load)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAppearance \u0026amp; Identification\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eThe Tessalata is often considered the most beautiful of all moray eels:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Pattern:\u003c\/b\u003e A creamy-white to yellowish base covered in high-contrast \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"71\"\u003eblack-to-chocolate brown spots\u003c\/b\u003e. These spots are hexagonal or \"honeycomb\" shaped and become more numerous and smaller as the eel grows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Face:\u003c\/b\u003e They have a classic \"smiling\" look due to the shape of their jaws, but don't be fooled—their mouths are lined with needle-sharp, backward-curving teeth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Eyes:\u003c\/b\u003e Small, yellowish eyes. Like most eels, they have poor eyesight and rely heavily on their acute sense of smell to find food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Tank Compatibility\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Ambush Predator:\u003c\/b\u003e Tessalatas spend 90% of their time with their bodies tucked into rockwork, only poking their heads out to scan for food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eAggression:\u003c\/b\u003e This species is notoriously more aggressive than the Snowflake or Zebra Eel. They have a very high feeding drive and will snap at anything that smells like food—including your hand. \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"194\"\u003eHand-feeding is strictly discouraged.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eReef Safe (with Caution):\u003c\/b\u003e They will not eat corals, but they are \"biological bombs.\" They produce massive amounts of waste and can easily knock over unsecured rockwork or corals as they move.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTank Mates:\u003c\/b\u003e Must be kept with \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"30\"\u003elarge, aggressive, or fast-moving fish\u003c\/b\u003e that are too big to be swallowed. Good mates include large Groupers, large Triggers, and adult Lionfish. Anything that can fit in its mouth \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"11,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"209\"\u003ewill\u003c\/i\u003e eventually be eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"13\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIdeal Tank Setup\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/b\u003e A minimum of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"24\"\u003e680L (180 Gallons)\u003c\/b\u003e for a juvenile, but an adult will eventually require \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"96\"\u003e1,100L+ (300+ Gallons)\u003c\/b\u003e with a wide footprint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLid is Mandatory:\u003c\/b\u003e Eels are the ultimate escape artists. They can push open heavy glass lids. Use a \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"99\"\u003eweighted or locking lid\u003c\/b\u003e with zero gaps. If their head can fit through, their body will follow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eRockwork:\u003c\/b\u003e You must provide \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"27\"\u003eextraordinarily stable rockwork\u003c\/b\u003e. Use PVC pipes hidden behind rocks to create \"burrows\" that won't collapse under the eel's weight.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/b\u003e Because they are large carnivores, a \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"49\"\u003emassive protein skimmer\u003c\/b\u003e and heavy biological filtration (like a large sump) are required to keep ammonia and nitrates under control.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDietary Needs\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003eThey are pure carnivores and need \"chunky\" meals:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"18,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"18,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/b\u003e Offer \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"18,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"12\"\u003elarge pieces of raw seafood\u003c\/b\u003e such as squid, shrimp, scallops, and silversides.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"18,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"18,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFeeding Frequency:\u003c\/b\u003e Juveniles can be fed every other day, but adults only need to eat \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"18,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"85\"\u003e1–2 times per week\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"18,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"18,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFeeding Tool:\u003c\/b\u003e Always use \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"18,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"25\"\u003elong feeding tongs\u003c\/b\u003e (30cm+) to offer food. This keeps your fingers safe and prevents the eel from associating your hand with food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"20\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWhy Choose the Tessalata Eel?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003eThe Tessalata Eel is for the hobbyist who wants a \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"21\" data-index-in-node=\"50\"\u003e\"Monster Fish\"\u003c\/b\u003e display with an artistic flair. It is a long-lived, intelligent predator that becomes the undisputed centerpiece of any large room. If you have the space for a massive aquarium and the discipline to maintain heavy filtration, the Honeycomb Moray is a breathtaking representative of Indonesia's deep reef predators.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquaristic Online","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45819305427178,"sku":"18898","price":450.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0854\/0866\/files\/Tessalatta-Moray-Eel.jpg?v=1769600542","url":"https:\/\/www.aquaristiconline.com.au\/products\/tessalatta","provider":"Aquaristic Online","version":"1.0","type":"link"}