Fin's Fish Guide
The Guinean pike conger (Cynoponticus ferox) is a saltwater fish of the family Muraenesocidae that grows up to 200 cm.
Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries.
Description
The Guinean pike conger is a large, powerful marine eel of the family Muraenesocidae (pike congers) reaching about 2 metres long. The elongate, scaleless, silvery-grey body has a broad, sturdy head and a large mouth full of long, sharp, dog-like teeth - hence the scientific name 'ferox' (fierce). The species lives over sand and mud bottoms of coastal water and estuaries along the West African coast, often half-buried in the bottom. As a nocturnal predator it hunts fish, crustaceans and squid. Like other eels it has a transparent, ribbon-shaped larval stage (leptocephalus). It is landed and has tasty flesh, but bites fiercely and must be handled with care.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guinean pike conger?
The Guinean pike conger has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Large, powerful conger eel with a broad head and a large mouth full of long, sharp, dog-like teeth; a formidable bottom predator.
Where does the Guinean pike conger live?
The Guinean pike conger lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern Atlantic along the coast of West Africa, over sandy and silty bottoms of coastal water and estuaries.
How big does the Guinean pike conger get?
The Guinean pike conger grows to a maximum of about 200 cm. On average the species is around 150 cm.
Is the Guinean pike conger dangerous to humans?
The Guinean pike conger can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans. A large eel with long, sharp teeth that bites fiercely when handled: keep the head away and unhook a caught animal with pliers and gloves.
Is the Guinean pike conger edible?
Yes, the Guinean pike conger is commonly eaten.
More photos
Easily confused with
These species look like the Guinean pike 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 Cynoponticus
More from the family Muraenesocidae
Want the complete picture on the Guinean pike conger?
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