Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotted garden eel (Gorgasia punctata) is a saltwater fish of the family Congridae that grows up to 50 cm.
North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others
Description
The Spotted garden eel is a garden eel (Congridae) from shallow sandy water of the eastern Pacific. The species grows to about 40 cm but is very thin and thread-like, with large eyes. It lives in colonies, each animal anchored by its rear in a self-dug burrow in the sand while the forebody reaches into the current to snap passing zooplankton; when in danger it withdraws entirely. 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 and is mainly brown.
Where does the Spotted garden eel live?
The Spotted garden eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and others
How big does the Spotted garden eel get?
The Spotted garden eel grows to a maximum of about 50 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.
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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 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.