Fin's Fish Guide
The Hawaiian garden eel (Gorgasia hawaiiensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Congridae that grows up to 60 cm.
Description
The Hawaiian garden eel is a garden eel (Congridae) from coastal waters of the central Pacific, around Hawaii. The species grows to about 60 cm and has a very slender, snake-shaped body. It lives in colonies in self-dug vertical burrows in sandy bottoms near reefs, from which it protrudes its forebody to snap at zooplankton drifting with the current; when threatened it withdraws fully into the burrow. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Hawaiian garden eel?
The Hawaiian garden eel has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Hawaiian garden eel live?
The Hawaiian garden eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Oceania: Hawaii
How big does the Hawaiian garden eel get?
The Hawaiian garden eel grows to a maximum of about 60 cm.
Is the Hawaiian garden eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Hawaiian 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 Hawaiian garden eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Hawaiian garden eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.