Fin's Fish Guide
The European conger (Conger conger) is a saltwater fish of the family Congridae that grows up to 300 cm.
Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, among rocks, wrecks and on sandy and silty bottoms.
Description
The European conger is a very large, scaleless marine eel of the family Congridae that can reach about 3 metres and tens of kilograms. The grey-black, snake-like body has a powerful head with strong jaws, and the dorsal, tail and anal fins merge into one continuous fringe. The species lives among rocks, in wrecks and on sand and mud bottoms of the north-eastern Atlantic, the North Sea and the Mediterranean, from the coast to more than a thousand metres. By day it shelters in holes; at night it hunts fish, squid and crustaceans. Adults migrate once to deep oceanic spawning grounds and die after reproducing. The conger is a popular, powerful sport fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the European conger?
The European conger has a snake-like body, is mainly black and shows a plain pattern. Very large, scaleless conger eel with a powerful head and strong jaws; the continuous dorsal, caudal and anal fins form a single margin. Note: in tropical areas this species can cause ciguatera poisoning when eaten; large specimens of coral reef predators can accumulate the toxin. Eat with caution or avoid in risk areas.
Where does the European conger live?
The European conger lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea, among rocks, wrecks and on sandy and silty bottoms.
How big does the European conger get?
The European conger grows to a maximum of about 300 cm. On average the species is around 100 cm.
Is the European conger dangerous to humans?
The European conger can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. Not venomous, but large congers have powerful jaws and can give a serious bite when handled; keep hands away from the mouth and clean and dress any wound.
Is the European conger edible?
Yes, the European conger is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the European 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 Conger
More from the family Congridae
Want the complete picture on the European conger?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the European conger is one of 12,519 species in the app.