What's the Deal With Garden Eels?

Have you heard of the spotted garden eel? This fascinating species presents a case in not judging a book by its cover—or an eel by its name. 

Contrary to its name, you won’t find these little guys among your petunias and tulips. No, garden eels live on the ocean floor, where they live in burrows. They get their unique name from their behavior of poking their heads out from their burrows, and as they live in large colonies, it gives the impression that plants are sprouting from the ocean floor! 

A Crafty Cave-Builder

Garden eels are thinner and smaller than many of the eel species you’re likely familiar with, like the moray eel, but despite their slight size, they are strong and adept builders.

The garden eel uses its powerful tail to dig into the sea floor to create its burrow, and then reinforces it by binding the grains of sand with a slimy mucus. Whenever danger is nearby, the spotted garden eel will retreat to the safety of their burrows tail-first until the coast is clear.

This has led to some creative evolutionary tactics from some of its predators, like the snake eel. The snake eel will build its burrow directly underneath the spotted garden eel and attack it tail-first. 

A Homebody on the Ocean Floor 

The spotted garden eel is listed as a species of ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN, and is widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific.

Another interesting feature of this species is that it will rarely leave the original burrow that it has built. The exception is during spawning season, where males will move closer to potential mates. Males can become territorial during this time and may also become protective over their mate.

Regardless of its lean build, these creatures can be feisty when it comes to fending off other males! As pelagic spawners, spotted garden eels release fertilized eggs into the current, where they are carried until they float to the surface. Once these eggs have hatched, young garden eels will swim until mature enough to return to the floor and build their own burrow. 

There are so many species that can capture our attention and captivate us, and the spotted garden eel is no exception. It is a living example of being more than meets the eye, and when cruising above the ocean floor, the sea plants they seem to be are actually a thriving ecosystem of eels once you take a closer look.

Dive Deeper Into Garden Eels

Swim on over to Ripley's Aquarium of the Smokies and get up close with these incredible eels! Explore amazing exhibits and walk through the underwater tunnel for an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit today!