Garden eels are slender, spotted fish that live in colonies on sandy bottoms, typically between 40 and 200 metres deep. They anchor themselves in burrows using a mucus secretion, poking their heads out to feed on plankton while remaining ready to retreat. Each eel maintains its own burrow within the colony, creating a striking meadow-like appearance on the seabed—hence the common name. Look for them hovering vertically in small groups; they are wary and will vanish into their holes if approached too quickly.
Most likely to be seen at
Sites where its range and habitat make it likely — not yet confirmed by a logged sighting.