Spotted Garden Eel

Spotted Garden Eel (Heteroconger hassi)

The Spotted Garden Eel is a fascinating and unusual marine species, instantly recognisable for its habit of living partially buried in the sand, swaying like blades of grass in the current. With their slender white bodies covered in black spots, these eels are captivating to watch in groups, forming “gardens” of swaying individuals. While delicate and challenging to keep, they are a true showpiece for specialist marine aquariums.

Common Name:
Spotted Garden Eel

Scientific Name (Latin):
Heteroconger hassi

Maximum Size:
Up to 40 cm (though much of the body remains buried in substrate)

Water Type:
Marine

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Widespread in the Indo-Pacific, including the Red Sea, East Africa, and across to the central Pacific. Found on sandy flats and slopes near reefs, living colonially in groups.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 24–27°C

pH Range: 8.1–8.4

Salinity: 1.023–1.025 SG

Temperament:
Peaceful. Best kept in groups of 3 or more, but avoid aggressive tank mates that may disturb or prey upon them.

Diet:
Planktivore. Requires frequent feeding of small meaty foods such as copepods, rotifers, enriched brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp delivered into the water column.

Minimum Tank Size:
200 litres with a deep sand bed (minimum 15–20 cm depth) for burrowing.

Behaviour & Activity:
Shy but mesmerising. They remain anchored in burrows, extending their upper bodies to feed from the current, retreating quickly when threatened.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:

Must have a deep, fine sand substrate to create burrows.

Needs calm tank mates and strong water movement to bring planktonic food.

Considered delicate and best suited for advanced marine aquarists.

Suitable for:
Experienced marine aquarists only.

Availability:
Occasional to rare in trade.