European conger (Conger conger)
Key facts
- Scientific name
- Conger conger
- Common name
- European conger
- Category
- Fish
- Family
- Congridae
- Genus
- Conger
- Size
- 100–300 cm
- Depth
- 0–1170 m
- IUCN status
- Least concern (LC)
- Danger level
- Harmless
- Habitats
- rocky-reef, wreck, cave
- Behaviours
- solitary, nocturnal, predator
- Ocean zones
- East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean
Description
Conger conger reaches 3 m and 110 kg. Giant conger (Congridae) Mediterranean and temperate Atlantic, one of largest anguilliforms worldwide. Robust eel-like body uniformly blue-gray to blue-brown with pale lateral line, powerful jaws with sharp teeth. Lives from 0 to 1170 m in caves, overhangs and wrecks of Mediterranean, North Sea, temperate Atlantic. Nocturnal ambush predator of fish, cephalopods and crustaceans. Trophy sport fishery. Iconic wide-angle photo subject of Med wreck and cave dives for imposing silhouette. Cousin of West Atlantic Conger oceanicus.
Photo of European conger
Frequently asked questions
- How big is the European conger?
- European conger (Conger conger) reaches 100–300 cm in length.
- At what depth can you find the European conger?
- European conger is found between 0–1170 m deep.
- Is the European conger dangerous to divers?
- Danger level: Harmless.
- What is the conservation status of the European conger?
- IUCN status: Least concern (LC).
- Where can you find the European conger?
- Found in: East Atlantic, Macaronesia, Mediterranean.
Other species in the family Congridae
Sources
- Taxonomy: WoRMS (AphiaID 126285)
- Photos: iNaturalist (CC BY-NC)
- Distribution: GBIF (taxonKey 2403490)
- Conservation: IUCN Red List
- Encyclopedia: Wikipedia