The Tessalata Eel, Gymnothorax favagineus, also known as the Lace Moray Eel, is one of the most visually striking yet challenging to keep eels in the home aquarium trade. They are masters of escape so every possible escape route must be prevented. Also, care should be taken while feeding because the Tessalata’s poor eyesight may cause it to bit the hand that feeds it – feeding tongs are a suggested alternative. The Tessalata Eel should only be cared for by an experienced aquarists as they can grow up to 50 inches and need a large, non-reef tank. This tank should have a thick sandy substrate and plenty of live rock and no sessile inverts or corals. Larger Tessalata Eels are ciguatoxic meaning they secrete a toxin making their skin poisonous to eat. They are a voracious carnivore that will eat primarily live foods but can be coaxed to eat frozen meaty foods. The Tessalata Eel features a beautiful black and white patterned body that resembles spaced out lacework.