Garden eel
Heteroconger longissimus
Sighting evidence at Radar Reef, Cayman Brac
Garden eels form large colonies in the sandy terrace at the base of Radar Reef's groove system, each individual living in a permanent burrow from which it extends its body to filter zooplankton from the current. The colony appears as a swaying meadow from a distance, retreating underground in a wave as divers approach — making close observation a lesson in patience and slow descent. They are permanently monogamous and regularly reach across burrow boundaries to exchange gametes with neighbouring individuals.
Evidence at this site
No confirmed records on file at this site
Garden eel is listed as a curated species here based on historical reports.