Fin's Fish Guide
The Brown conger (Gymnothorax vicinus) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenidae that grows up to 132 cm.
Description
The purplemouth moray (Gymnothorax vicinus) is a moray of the family Muraenidae from the Atlantic. The species has a snake- or eel-like, brownish, scaleless body with a continuous fin fringe and owes its name to its purple to dark mouth lining; it can reach about 1.3 metres. It is a nocturnal, solitary bottom dweller of clear rocky shores and reefs, where it hides in holes and crevices by day and hunts fishes and crustaceans at night with its toothy mouth. Morays bite only when disturbed, but the bite can cause serious, slow-to-heal wounds.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Brown conger?
The Brown conger has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Purple-coloured mouth cavity; nocturnal stalking predator that can inflict serious bites when disturbed. Caution: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with care or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the Brown conger live?
The Brown conger lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around stony or rocky ground. Rocky coasts and reefs of the Atlantic Ocean.
How big does the Brown conger get?
The Brown conger grows to a maximum of about 132 cm. On average the species is around 70 cm.
Is the Brown conger dangerous to humans?
The Brown conger can cause injury; handle it with care. Morays bite only when disturbed, but the bite can cause serious, lacerating wounds with risk of infection. Clean and disinfect the wound thoroughly, control bleeding and seek medical help; a deep or heavily bleeding bite always requires professional treatment.
Is the Brown conger edible?
The Brown conger is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Brown conger?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown conger is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gymnothorax
More from the family Muraenidae
Want the complete picture on the Brown conger?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Brown conger is one of 12,519 species in the app.