Longfin African conger
📖 Overview
Solitary species common on reef flats and seagrass beds of shallow lagoons but ranges to depths of 80 m on outer reef slopes . Also found in estuaries . Feeds on fish and crustaceans at night, assuming a pattern of broad dark grey bars . Minimum depth reported taken from Ref. 86942.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0; Vertebrae: 139 - 146. Flanges on upper and lower lips well developed; 2 rows of teeth in jaws, those of outer row larger; closely set and compressed to form cutting edge; 6th infraorbital pore located close behind and slightly above posterior angle of jaw. Dorsal fin begins over middle of appressed pectoral fin. Brownish grey, yellow below and on fins, median fins with narrow black edge, black patch on lower rear edge of eye and on pectorals ; assumes a pattern of broad dark bands at night (see also Ref. 4538, 1602). Body depth at gill opening 17-23 in TL .: eel-like; Cross section: circular.
🌀 Behaviour
Conger cinereus is generally nocturnal, and tends to be solitary, remaining concealed in crevices, sand, or rubble during the day. After dark, it emerges to feed, sometimes remaining still in exposed spots when illuminated. Its diet consists largely of small fish and crustaceans, though it may scavenge on occasion.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Longfin African conger is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Longfin African conger is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; brackish; reef-associated; depth range 0 - 80 m . Tropical; 32°N - 47°S, 24°E - 140°W East Africa to the Marquesan and Easter islands, north to southern Japan and the Ogasawara Islands, south to northern Australia and Lord Howe Island; except in Hawaii, where former subspecies C.
🌿 Ecology
fish and crustaceans at night, assuming a pattern of broad dark grey bars (Ref
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Longfin African conger is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 19.1 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 114 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Longfin African conger has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conger altipinnis | Kaup | 1856 | Synonym |
| Conger cinereus cinereus | Rüppell | 1830 | Synonym |
| Conger flavipinnatus | Bennett | 1832 | Synonym |
| Leptocephalus caudalis | Rüppell | 1871 | Synonym |
| Leptocephalus cinereus | Rüppell | 1830 | Synonym |
| Veternio verrens | Snyder | 1904 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 33 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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