Fin's Fish Guide
The Purplemouthed conger (Pseudophichthys splendens) is a saltwater fish of the family Congridae that grows up to 39 cm.
Description
The purplemouthed conger is a deep-sea conger eel occurring in the Atlantic, in the east off Morocco, the Azores and the Gulf of Guinea and in the west from the Gulf of Mexico to Brazil. The species grows to about 39 cm and has an eel-like body with an inferior mouth; the mouth cavity is conspicuously purple and the gill opening and anus are black. As a near-bottom deep-sea dweller the fish lives on muddy bottoms over a broad depth range, down to over 1600 metres. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Purplemouthed conger?
The Purplemouthed conger has a snake-like body, is mainly pink-purple and shows a plain pattern. Strikingly purple mouth cavity; black gill opening and anus
Where does the Purplemouthed conger live?
The Purplemouthed conger lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Atlantic Ocean (deep sea)
How big does the Purplemouthed conger get?
The Purplemouthed conger grows to a maximum of about 39 cm.
Is the Purplemouthed conger dangerous to humans?
No, the Purplemouthed 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.
Is the Purplemouthed conger edible?
The Purplemouthed conger is not usually eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Congridae
Want the complete picture on the Purplemouthed conger?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Purplemouthed conger is one of 12,519 species in the app.