Heteroconger longissimus

Behavior:

Brown garden eels live in burrows in sandy areas near coral reefs, feeding mainly on plankton that drift by in the current. Individuals rarely leave the safety of their burrows, remaining partially buried with their heads poking out from the sand. They retreat backwards into their burrow when threatened.

Predators:

Snake eels and triggerfish.

Did you know?

Many coral reef fishes have a larval stage early in life that lasts from a few days to several months, depending on the species. The larval stage of brown garden eels is particularly long, lasting 6 to 8 months, which may have helped extend its distribution throughout the region.