Gorgasia japonica, known as the Japanese garden eel, inhabits sandy bottoms of the Indo-Pacific, forming colonies that resemble gardens. These slender eels, about 40 cm long, are known for their burrowing behavior. They feed on plankton while their bodies sway like grass, retreating into burrows when threatened.

Gorgasia japonica, commonly known as the Japanese garden eel, is native to the Indo-Pacific region. Its geographical distribution includes the waters around Japan, particularly the Ryukyu Islands, and it is also found in the coastal waters of Taiwan and the Philippines.

The Japanese garden eel inhabits sandy substrates in coral reef environments. It is typically found at depths ranging from 5 to 40 meters. The species thrives in warm, tropical marine waters with clear visibility, which allows it to spot predators while partially buried in the sand.

Gorgasia japonica occupies a unique niche within its ecosystem. It lives in colonies where individuals maintain proximity yet remain solitary in their burrows. This eel species is adapted to a benthic lifestyle, feeding primarily on plankton and small particles suspended in the water column. Its behavior of remaining partially buried helps it avoid predators while feeding.