Conger eels
Spotted garden eel (Heteroconger hassi)
The Spotted garden eel (Heteroconger hassi) belongs to the family Congridae (conger eels) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen in colonies. It reaches about 40 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Heteroconger hassi |
|---|---|
| Family | Conger eels (Congridae) |
| Common name (IT) | Anguilla giardino maculata |
| Common name (EN) | Spotted garden eel |
| Maximum size | 40 cm |
| Depth | 1–50 m |
| Distribution | Red Sea and Indo-Pacific |
| IUCN status | LC — Least Concern |
Description
Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
Where it lives
Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.
- Red Sea
- Indo-Pacific
Frequently asked questions
- What family does the Spotted garden eel belong to?
- The Spotted garden eel (Heteroconger hassi) belongs to the family Congridae (conger eels).
- Is the Spotted garden eel dangerous?
- It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
- Is the Spotted garden eel endemic to the Red Sea?
- No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
- How big does the Spotted garden eel get?
- It reaches a maximum length of about 40 cm.
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