Fin's Fish Guide
The Arabian pike eel (Muraenesox cinereus) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Muraenesocidae that grows up to 220 cm.
Indo-Pacific; soft bottoms from the intertidal zone to deeper water, also estuaries.
Description
The daggertooth pike conger is a large conger of the family Muraenesocidae from the Indo-Pacific. The species grows to about 2.2 metres and has a strongly elongate, snake-like body with a large mouth full of dagger-like teeth, to which its name refers. It occurs from the tidal zone into deeper water and inhabits soft bottoms, including estuaries, and tolerates brackish water. As a predator it hunts fishes, crustaceans and squid. The daggertooth pike conger is an important commercial fish in East Asia. With its sharp teeth it can give a nasty bite, so handle a caught specimen with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Arabian pike eel?
The Arabian pike eel has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large mouth full of dagger-shaped teeth; tolerates brackish water and is an important commercial fish.
Where does the Arabian pike eel live?
The Arabian pike eel lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Indo-Pacific; soft bottoms from the intertidal zone to deeper water, also estuaries.
How big does the Arabian pike eel get?
The Arabian pike eel grows to a maximum of about 220 cm. On average the species is around 80 cm.
Is the Arabian pike eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Arabian pike eel 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 Arabian pike eel edible?
Yes, the Arabian pike eel is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Arabian pike eel and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Muraenesox
More from the family Muraenesocidae
Want the complete picture on the Arabian pike eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Arabian pike eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.