Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotted garden eel (Heteroconger hassi) is a saltwater fish of the family Congridae that grows up to 45 cm.
Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I., Cocos Is. (Keel) and others
Description
The spotted garden eel is a garden eel (Congridae) from the Indo-West Pacific. The species grows to about 45 cm but is very thin and lives in large colonies: each animal protrudes from a self-dug vertical burrow in the sandy bottom, with the white-and-black spotted 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 Spotted garden eel?
The Spotted garden eel has a snake-like body, is mainly white and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Spotted garden eel live?
The Spotted garden eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Oceania: American Samoa, Australia, Solomon Is., Taiwan/Ch Taipei, Christmas I., Cocos Is. (Keel) and others
How big does the Spotted garden eel get?
The Spotted garden eel grows to a maximum of about 45 cm.
Is the Spotted garden eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotted 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.
Is the Spotted garden eel edible?
Yes, the Spotted garden eel is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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 Spotted garden eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotted garden eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.