Fin's Fish Guide
The American conger (Conger oceanicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Congridae that grows up to 230 cm.
Western Atlantic; rocky bottoms, wrecks and holes from the coast to deeper water.
Description
The American conger is a large conger eel of the family Congridae from the western Atlantic. The species grows to about 2.3 metres and has a robust, scaleless, greyish body with a large mouth and strong teeth. It occurs from shallow coastal water to at least 477 metres and inhabits rocky bottoms, wrecks and holes, where it shelters by day. As a nocturnal predator it hunts fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods. The conger spawns in the open ocean, after which the leaf-shaped larvae drift to the coast. With its powerful jaws it can give a nasty bite; handle a caught specimen with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the American conger?
The American conger has a snake-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large, scaleless conger eel with powerful jaws; shelters in wrecks and holes during the day.
Where does the American conger live?
The American conger lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Western Atlantic; rocky bottoms, wrecks and holes from the coast to deeper water.
How big does the American conger get?
The American conger grows to a maximum of about 230 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.
Is the American conger dangerous to humans?
No, the American conger is harmless to humans. Not venomous, but the powerful jaws with sharp teeth can give a nasty bite; never put a hand into crevices and handle a caught specimen with care. Clean any bite wound and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the American conger edible?
Yes, the American conger is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Conger
More from the family Congridae
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Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the American conger is one of 12,519 species in the app.