Enigma garden eel explained

The enigma garden eel^[1] (Heteroconger enigmaticus) is a species of eel in the conger/garden eel family Congridae.^[2]

Taxonomy

The enigma garden eel was first described in 1999 by Peter Henry John Castle and John Ernest Randall.^[3] The species epithet enigmaticus is derived from the Greek 'αινιγματικός' (enigmatikós), meaning 'enigmatic.'

Description

This species is a tropical marine eel that is harmless to humans. It is medium to dark brown in colour. Males can reach a maximum total length of 43.7cm (17.2inches), while females can reach 41.6cm (16.4inches).

Distribution and habitat

The enigma garden eel is found in the western Pacific Ocean, including Indonesia and New Guinea. It dwells at a depth range of 3to, and inhabits regions with dark, silty sand and seagrass (Holiphila species). Males can reach a maximum total length of 43.7cm (17.2inches), while females can reach 41.6cm (16.4inches).

Notes and References

1. http://www.fishbase.org/comnames/CommonNamesList.php?ID=55141&GenusName=Heteroconger&SpeciesName=enigmaticus&StockCode=45672 Common names of Heteroconger enigmaticus
2. http://fishbase.mnhn.fr/summary/Heteroconger-enigmaticus.html Heteroconger enigmaticus
3. Castle, P. H. J. and J. E. Randall, 1999 (Sept.) [ref. 24042] Revision of Indo-Pacific garden eels (Congridae: Heterocongrinae), with descriptions of five new species. Indo-Pacific Fishes No. 30: 1-52, Pls. I-III.