Conger Eel - Ulster Wildlife

Conger Eel
© Paul Kay
Conger conger
About
A large powerful snakelike fish, the conger eel has no scales but smooth blue
grey skin. Unlike most fish which have separate back and tail fins, the conger
eel’s fin is fused forming a fringe around its body.
Where
During the day time conger eels take refuge in crevices, nooks and crannies,
and artificial environments such as shipwrecks. Conger eels can be found at
incredible depths, 500m below the ocean but can descend further down to
4000m to spawn.
Local Hotspots
In rocky reefs all around our coast.
Size
Commonly around 2m but can reach 2.75m.
Lifespan
Around 15 years.
Diet
Hunts at night and preys upon other fish including smaller conger eels. They have
strong jaws which are used to catch prey such as crabs and lobsters, which they
then crack against rocks before devouring them.
Did you know?
• They spend their entire life in marine waters.
• They only spawn once and then die, before spawning they travel into warmer
waters and undergo a gruesome transformation which includes changing colour
and losing their teeth.
• The conger eel is famous for living within the wrecks of old ships, boats and
within the nooks and crannies of steep sided cliff faces.
• They can be found at incredible depths, 500m below the ocean but can descend
further down to 4000m to spawn.
www.ulsterwildlife.org
Dip below the surface and discover why our seas are worth protecting
Ulster Wildlife is the operating name of Ulster Wildlife Trust. The Ulster Wildlife Trust is a charity recognised
by HM Revenue & Customs No. XN45269 and a company incorporated in NI, limited by guarantee, NI. 12711.
Recorded distribution of Conger Eel:
Data source: The Marine Life
Information Network –
www.marlin.ac.uk
The Living Seas Community
Engagement Project is funded by
the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation