Fin's Fish Guide
The Enigma garden eel (Heteroconger enigmaticus) is a saltwater fish of the family Congridae that grows up to 44 cm.
Description
The enigma garden eel is a garden eel (Congridae) from the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 44 cm 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 Enigma garden eel?
The Enigma garden eel has a snake-like body and is mainly white.
Where does the Enigma garden eel live?
The Enigma garden eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines
How big does the Enigma garden eel get?
The Enigma garden eel grows to a maximum of about 44 cm.
Is the Enigma garden eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Enigma 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
Want the complete picture on the Enigma garden eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Enigma garden eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Heteroconger
More from the family Congridae
Want the complete picture on the Enigma garden eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Enigma garden eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.