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Japanese shorttail conger (Coloconger japonicus) — Colocongridae

Japanese shorttail conger

Coloconger japonicus
Family: Colocongridae

The Japanese shorttail conger (Coloconger japonicus) is a saltwater fish of the family Colocongridae that grows up to 56 cm.

Length
56 cm
Water
Saltwater
Depth
0–760.0 m
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like)
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
Harmless
Range
Asia: Japan

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Description

The Japanese shorttail conger is a conger (Colocongridae) of the continental slope in the deep northwest Pacific. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a stocky, eel-like, reddish to greyish body with a blunt head, large eyes and long, confluent dorsal and anal fins. As a sluggish bottom-dweller of deeper water it shelters in sand and burrows and snaps at small crustaceans and worms. The fish is harmless to humans.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Japanese shorttail conger?

The Japanese shorttail conger has an elongate, eel-like body and is mainly red-orange.

Where does the Japanese shorttail conger live?

The Japanese shorttail conger lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Japan

How big does the Japanese shorttail conger get?

The Japanese shorttail conger grows to a maximum of about 56 cm.

Is the Japanese shorttail conger dangerous to humans?

No, the Japanese shorttail conger is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.

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All data

Identification

English name
Japanese shorttail conger sourced
Scientific name
Coloconger japonicus
Family
Colocongridae

Appearance

Size class
Large verified
Max length (cm)
56.0 verified
Body shape
Elongated (eel-like) sourced
Dominant colour
Red / orange inferred
Tail shape
Rounded inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Saltwater sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
760.0 verified
Natural range
Asia: Japan sourced
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred
Seasonality
Present year-round in its habitat; no pronounced seasonality known. inferred

For anglers

Fishing method
Bottom fishing with natural bait (worm, shrimp or fish) on or just above the seabed. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
Harmless verified
First aid
This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status. verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0
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