The splendid garden eel is a medium-sized fish, up to 40 cm maximum length.

[4] It occurs in sandy areas exposed to currents at depths between 18 and 75 m, but is usually observed at an average depth of 30 m.[5] The splendid garden eel lives in a buried tube in the sand either alone or in groups ranging anywhere from three to over a thousand eels.

[6] Typically, only its head and uppermost body protrudes from the sand, and it will retreat entirely if approached by large fish or divers.

[7] During mating season male and female eels will move burrows to increase proximity to one another.

Males will often engage in a courtship display of protective behaviors and may bite rival eels.