Large Spotted Snake Eel

The Large Spotted Snake Eel is a long, slender, burrowing eel covered in bold dark spots that give it a true “sea serpent” look. This is the kind of fish that instantly grabs attention when it emerges from the sand, peeking out of its burrow or weaving through the rockwork like a living rope.

Snake eels are secretive by nature. Most of the time, your Spotted Snake Eel will spend its day buried in the sand with just its head exposed, watching for food or movement in the tank. When it does come out, it’s usually for feeding or nighttime exploration. Because it loves to burrow, a deep, fine sandbed is absolutely essential – coarse gravel can damage its skin and make it difficult for the eel to dig in safely.

This is a true predator and should be treated as such. Small fish and virtually all crustaceans will be seen as food, especially as the eel grows. Tankmates should be larger, confident fish that are clearly too big to be swallowed. Avoid very aggressive species that might harass or outcompete the eel at feeding time. A tight-fitting, escape-proof lid is also a must; snake eels are extremely good at finding gaps around lids, plumbing, and overflows.

Once settled in, feeding is straightforward. Offer a varied, meaty diet of frozen shrimp, squid, fish strips, silversides, and other marine-based foods. Feeding with tongs works best, letting you place food right at the mouth of its burrow and helping the eel make the connection at feeding time. Good filtration, stable water quality, and plenty of oxygen will help this large predator thrive long-term.

• Common Name: Large Spotted Snake Eel
• Care Level: Intermediate to Advanced
• Temperament: Predatory, secretive
• Minimum Tank Size: 90–120+ gallons with a deep sandbed
• Environment: Tropical marine with stable, clean water
• Reef Compatibility: Reef-safe with caution – will eat small fish and crustaceans
• Diet: Carnivore – meaty marine foods, best offered with tongs
• Substrate: Fine sand, deep enough for burrowing
• Special Requirements: Escape-proof lid and secure rockwork

If you’re looking for something different from the typical moray and you have the setup for a burrowing predator, the Large Spotted Snake Eel is a fantastic choice. With a soft sandbed, secure lid, and respectful tankmates, it becomes a fascinating, long-lived display animal that you’ll always be excited to spot emerging from the sand.