Fin's Fish Guide
The Barnes' garden eel (Gorgasia barnesi) is a saltwater fish of the family Congridae that grows up to 121 cm.
Oceania: Solomon Is., Indonesia, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Philippines
Description
Barnes' garden eel is a garden eel (Congridae) from the western Pacific. The species grows to about 1.2 metres but is very thin and lives in colonies: each animal protrudes from a self-dug vertical burrow in the sandy bottom, with the forebody curved into the current to snap at drifting zooplankton. When threatened it quickly withdraws into its burrow. A dense colony looks like a waving garden. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Barnes' garden eel?
The Barnes' garden eel has a snake-like body and is mainly silver-grey.
Where does the Barnes' garden eel live?
The Barnes' garden eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Solomon Is., Indonesia, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, Philippines
How big does the Barnes' garden eel get?
The Barnes' garden eel grows to a maximum of about 121 cm.
Is the Barnes' garden eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Barnes' garden eel is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gorgasia
More from the family Congridae
Want the complete picture on the Barnes' garden eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Barnes' garden eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.