We have a decent size tessalata eel about 18" and cant keep any mates in the tank with it. We have tried 4" rock beauty, 4" dogface and a heniacous all fell victim They were eating and swimming fine until we noticed a bite mark on them and we witness the dogface being bit by the eel. They all hung in there for a few days and showed some sign of eating but ended up passing 3 to 4 days later The only fish that has survived since the beginging is a 2" ventalimi puffer What can we keep in this tank with him The tanks is a 120 with live rock
Tank mate for our tessalata eel
- Thread starter erfig
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rayn
Bluefin Believer
I'm not familiar with these eels. Are they a sharp tooth eel or blunt tooth?
You may have to rearrange the rock work or add the fish in a acclimation box. This gives the eel a chance to see and smell the new fish, but not be able to eat it.
You may have to rearrange the rock work or add the fish in a acclimation box. This gives the eel a chance to see and smell the new fish, but not be able to eat it.
@Duke4Life might be able to help.
Duke4Life
Just a crazy eel guy, LMAS
Sharp tooth eels these are. Another viper moray same size? Bigger fish but in a 120g this will require a great skimmer and water changes. Tess's are beautiful but get fairly big, lots of waste and not picky about their next meal as you've seen. I considered 1 of these but wanted more fish options.
It'll be hard toget something into a 120 tank wih a tessalata in it. 120 is the minimum size for a tessalata sooo, I don't know what's big enough to be with a tessalata that will also fit into a 120. Fish that big usually don't fit into tanks that size, with eels being an exception.
You would have to find another similarly sized moray eel is my verdict.
You would have to find another similarly sized moray eel is my verdict.
mrbncal
Old guy ...new hangout.
Thinking outside the box here, but maybe a group of damsels. If your eel isnt going after the small tank mates, perhaps smaller is the way to go. We had a large tessalata come back in to the store here because it ate everything, large trigger, grouper and large lionfish, in a customers tank. The eel is now in his own tank with only his cleaner shrimp buddy. Smaller fish might not present a large enough target. Just an idea.
Lol.And you won't have to feed your eel for awhile if it doesn't work
I myself was thinking of breeding damsels for feeder fish but found out it's not so easy, and it almost seems like a waste breeding a display fish as food
In a smaller tank eventually I think even the triggers would fall victim. But the damsels are the best idea, I've seen groups of damsels with the tessas. They usually can't catch them, then just reside to live with them. I won't even feed my ambush predator tank damsels, because some decide to move in and just become roommates.
How large is your Tessalata? Ours is about 4'6". We have had damsels and mollies do ok for a few months but eventually everything ends up missing except shrimp and lobsters. I miss having tangs that I lost to a bully clown trigger fish, I see you have one with your eel? I was also looking in to a large lion fish but I'm afraid our tes is too large (and too hungry) for any tank mates
