Eels & garden eels

From conger eels lurking in wreck compartments to garden eels swaying in sandy colonies, this group offers variety at every depth. Garden eel fields are hypnotic — approach low and slow, or they'll vanish into the sand.

Last updated April 2026

Species

Garden eel

Heteroconger longissimus(3 photos)

Least ConcernUp to 40 cm10–45mSand

Thin, eel-like bodies poking vertically from sandy bottoms, swaying gently in the current like a garden of living stalks. Cream-colored with tiny heads.

Retreats slowly into its burrow as you approach — move very slowly along the sand to get close without spooking the colony.

Observed at

El desierto(El Hierro)

European conger

Conger conger(2 photos)

Least ConcernUp to 250 cm5–50mRocky reefCaveWreck

A massive, powerful eel — uniform grey to dark brown, with a large head and wide mouth. Much bigger and heavier-bodied than a moray, reaching over 2 meters.

Found in caves, wrecks, and deep crevices with just its head protruding — often shares shelter with lobsters and other cave dwellers.

Observed at

Mar Menuda(Tossa de Mar)El Santuari(Costa del Maresme)La Garita(Tarifa)The Tower Marbella(Marbella)La Fortaleza(Tarifa)Peu de Negre(Costa del Maresme)

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