Fin's Fish Guide
The Baleares conger (Ariosoma balearicum) is a saltwater fish of the family Congridae that grows up to 35 cm.
Eastern and western Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on soft bottoms from the coast to the continental slope.
Description
The Balearic conger is a slender, small conger eel of the family Congridae reaching about 35 cm. The elongate, rearward-tapering body is grey-brown with a silvery sheen, and the eyes are relatively large. The continuous dorsal and anal fins run to the tail tip. The species lives on sandy and muddy bottoms of the eastern and western Atlantic and the Mediterranean, from shallow coastal water to the continental slope. By day it buries itself in the bottom; at night it emerges to hunt small crustaceans and worms. Like other eels it reproduces through drifting, transparent leptocephalus larvae. It has no fishery importance.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Baleares conger?
The Baleares conger has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Slender, small conger with large eyes; buries itself in sandy bottoms during the day and emerges at night to hunt.
Where does the Baleares conger live?
The Baleares conger lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Eastern and western Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, on soft bottoms from the coast to the continental slope.
How big does the Baleares conger get?
The Baleares conger grows to a maximum of about 35 cm. On average the species is around 25 cm.
Is the Baleares conger dangerous to humans?
No, the Baleares conger is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Baleares conger edible?
The Baleares conger is not usually eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Baleares conger 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 Ariosoma
More from the family Congridae
Want the complete picture on the Baleares conger?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Baleares conger is one of 12,519 species in the app.