Spotted garden-eel
📖 Overview
Often found on sandy slopes below 15 m; withdraws into its burrow when approached. Usually in colonies containing up to several hundred individuals. Adults feed on zooplankton . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 86942.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Dorsal soft rays (total): 449 - 540; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 273 - 334; Vertebrae: 163 - 177. Variable but usually two large black spots are obvious; body diameter to about 14 mm . Anterior nostrils included in continuous free labial flange. Pectoral fins minute. Total vertebrae 163-177, anal origin below vertebra 59-66. : eel-like; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Spotted garden-eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; reef-associated; non-migratory; depth range 1 - 50 m . Tropical; 25°C - 29°C ; 30°N - 23°S East Africa to the Society Islands, north to the Ryukyu and the Ogasawara islands, south to northwestern Australia and New Caledonia; throughout Micronesia (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
zooplankton (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Heteroconger Hassi is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 111 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Spotted garden-eel has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 3 records indexed .
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