Fin's Fish Guide
The Belted garden eel (Heteroconger balteatus) is a saltwater fish of the family Congridae that grows up to 40 cm.
Description
The belted garden eel is a garden eel (Congridae) from shallow, clear sandy water of the western Indian Ocean. The species grows to about 40 cm and has a very slender, eel-like body with dark belts. It lives in colonies in which each eel sits tail-first in a self-dug vertical tube in the sand; with its forebody rising upright from the bottom it snaps at drifting zooplankton and withdraws into its tube when threatened. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Belted garden eel?
The Belted garden eel has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly white.
Where does the Belted garden eel live?
The Belted garden eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Saudi Arabia
How big does the Belted garden eel get?
The Belted garden eel grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Belted garden eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Belted 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 Heteroconger
More from the family Congridae
Want the complete picture on the Belted garden eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Belted garden eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.
Or scan with your phone