Fin's Fish Guide
The Conehead eel (Cynoponticus coniceps) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenesocidae that grows up to 202 cm.
North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others
Description
The conehead eel is a large pike-conger (Muraenesocidae) from coastal waters of the eastern Pacific, off Central and South America. The species grows to about 2 metres and has a robust, snake-shaped, greyish body with a pointed, cone-shaped head and a large mouth full of sharp teeth. As a nocturnal bottom predator it burrows into sand and mud bottoms and seizes fish and crustaceans. The sharp teeth can give a deep bite; handle with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Conehead eel?
The Conehead eel has a snake-like body and is mainly silver-grey. Can bite with sharp teeth or powerful jaws; handle with care.
Where does the Conehead eel live?
The Conehead eel lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. North America: Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and others
How big does the Conehead eel get?
The Conehead eel grows to a maximum of about 202 cm.
Is the Conehead eel dangerous to humans?
The Conehead eel can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Keep your distance and do not handle the animal by the mouth; the sharp teeth can give a deep bite. For a bite: rinse the wound with clean water, apply firm pressure to stop bleeding and cover with a sterile dressing. Always have a large or deep bite assessed medically and check tetanus status.
Is the Conehead eel edible?
Yes, the Conehead eel is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Cynoponticus
More from the family Muraenesocidae
Want the complete picture on the Conehead eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Conehead eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.