European conger
📖 Overview
Found on rocky and sandy bottoms . Depth range from 0-500 m and from 305-1171 m in the eastern Ionian Sea . It stays near the coast when young and moves toward deeper waters upon reaching adulthood . A nocturnal predator of fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods . Like other species of the group, it reproduces only once in its life . Sexually mature at an age of 5-15 years. Spawn in summer in the Atlantic off Portugal and in the Mediterranean. Produces 3-8 million of eggs . Marketed fresh and frozen. Eaten fried and baked .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
: eel-like.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for European conger is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Semelparous. . Eggs are deposited in the open sea, at depths between 2,000 and 3,000 m .
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; demersal; oceanodromous ; depth range 0 - 1171 m . Temperate; 68°N - 12°N, 32°W - 42°E
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"European 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 | 18.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 482 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for European conger has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anguilla conger | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Anguilla obtusa | Swainson | 1839 | Synonym |
| Conger communis | Costa | 1844 | Synonym |
| Conger linnei | Malm | 1877 | Synonym |
| Conger niger | Risso | 1810 | Synonym |
| Conger rubescens | Ranzani | 1839 | Synonym |
| Conger verus | Risso | 1827 | Synonym |
| Conger vulgaris | Yarrell | 1832 | Synonym |
| Helmictis punctatus | Rafinesque | 1810 | Synonym |
| Lepidopus pellucidus | Risso | 1810 | Synonym |
| Leptocephalus candidissimus | Costa | 1832 | Synonym |
| Leptocephalus conger | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Leptocephalus gussoni | Cocco | 1829 | Synonym |
| Leptocephalus inaequalis | Facciolà | 1883 | Synonym |
| Leptocephalus lineatus | Bonnaterre | 1788 | Synonym |
| Leptocephalus morrisianus | Lacepède | 1800 | Synonym |
| Leptocephalus morrisii | Gmelin | 1789 | Synonym |
| Leptocephalus pellucidus | Couch | 1832 | Synonym |
| Leptocephalus spallanzani | Risso | 1810 | Synonym |
| Leptocephalus stenops | Kaup | 1856 | Synonym |
| Leptocephalus vitreus | Kölliker | 1853 | Synonym |
| Muraena conger | Linnaeus | 1758 | Synonym |
| Muraena nigra | Risso | 1810 | Synonym |
| Ophidium pellucidum | Couch | 1832 | Synonym |
| Ophisoma obtusa | Swainson | 1839 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 44 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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