Splendid garden-eel

Biology

This curious animal has a slender and circular shape, that can grow up to 40 centimetres in length. This species has a characteristic pattern of white and yellow or orange bands. It is found in sandy areas, exposed to currents, at an average depth of 30 metres, where it feeds on drifting plankton.

Curiosities

The splendid garden-eel lives buried inside a tube in the sand, typically, only its head and uppermost body protrudes from the sand, and it will retreat quickly if it feels threatened. It may form small groups that truly resemble a beautiful planted garden of eels.