[5] It is a tropical, marine eel which is known from the eastern and western Atlantic Ocean, including Madeira, the Canary Islands, Senegal, the Bahamas, the Florida Keys, the Caribbean, Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and Brazil.

It dwells at a depth of 10–60 m, most commonly between 20 and 60 m, and leads a nonmigratory, benthic lifestyle, inhabiting reefs in colonies.

The larval state of development lasts for about 6–8 months.

Adult males can reach a maximum total length of 51 centimetres (20 in; 1.67 ft).

[4] The brown garden eel's diet consists primarily of detritus and plankton.