Fin's Fish Guide
The Southern conger (Gnathophis capensis) is a saltwater fish of the family Congridae that grows up to 37 cm.
Description
The southern conger is a conger eel from the southeastern Atlantic, ranging from False Bay to Plettenberg Bay in South Africa and at Tristan da Cunha Island. The species grows to about 37 cm and has an elongate, eel-like body that is olive-brown on the back, silvery on the head and lighter below, with a dusky margin on the unpaired fins. A bottom-dweller, the fish lives at about 100 metres depth in cool water and feeds on small bottom animals. Like all conger eels the species has a transparent ribbon-like larval stage. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Southern conger?
The Southern conger has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Eel-like body with dark fin margins; transparent ribbon-shaped larval stage
Where does the Southern conger live?
The Southern conger lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeast Atlantic
How big does the Southern conger get?
The Southern conger grows to a maximum of about 37 cm.
Is the Southern conger dangerous to humans?
No, the Southern 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 Southern conger edible?
The Southern conger is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Gnathophis
More from the family Congridae
Want the complete picture on the Southern conger?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Southern conger is one of 12,519 species in the app.