European conger (eel)
The European conger, also referred to as the conger eel, is a notable marine species known for its predatory nature and substantial size. Typically found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, as well as parts of the Mediterranean and Black Sea, European congers can measure between four to six feet in length, with some exceptional individuals reaching up to nine feet and weighing as much as 220 pounds. Characterized by their large pectoral fins and a long dorsal fin, these eels lack pelvic fins and have smooth, scale-less bodies that can change color based on their environment.
As carnivorous predators, European congers primarily feed on crabs, lobsters, octopus, and occasionally other smaller congers, showcasing their role in the marine food web. They inhabit rocky coastlines and prefer depths of around 660 feet, although they can thrive in varying depths. The lifecycle of the European conger includes a fascinating migration to deep waters for spawning, where they release millions of eggs before dying. Their young, called leptocephali, start their lives in shallow waters, growing and maturing over a span that could last up to 20 years. This cycle of life reflects the complex and often dramatic interactions within marine ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of understanding such species for ecological balance.
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European conger (eel)
The European eel, also known as the conger eel, is a fierce fish of the ocean which eats dead animals, crabs and lobsters, octopus, and even other small congers. An average length of a conger is four to five feet (1 to 1 1/2 meters), but there are reports of congers reaching nine feet (three meters) in length and 220 pounds (100 kilograms) in weight. The word conger comes from the Latin word meaning sea-eel.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Anguilliformes
Family: Congridae
Genus: Conger
Species: Conger
European congers inhabit the eastern Atlantic Ocean along the European coastline as well as parts of the Mediterranean and Black Sea. European congers typically grow to be four to six feet (one to two meters) long and to weigh around 80 pounds (35 kilograms). Especially large congers may reach nine feet (three meters) long and 220 pounds (100 kilograms). The congers' bodies do not have scales. They do have large pectoral fins, but do not have pelvic fins. European congers also have a large dorsal, or back, fin which runs nearly the entire length of its body and propels the conger through the water. Their body colors may change depending on the color of the ocean bottom and the depth of the water. In shallow water the congers are dark brown to black on their backs, while those in deep water have light brown backs. Belly colors are light gold, white, or silver.
Grown European congers live along rocky coastlines in water that is typically 660 feet (200 meters) deep, although they may also live in either deeper or shallower water. During the day they rest among the rocks, but at night they prowl for food. The conger is one of the ocean's fierce predators with a large appetite. European congers are carnivores, or meat-eating animals, that prey on crabs, lobsters, and octopus. They may also eat other small congers and carrion, or dead animal flesh.
When European congers are between five and 15 years old, their bodies begin to change and their sexual organs increase in size. When they are fully mature, they migrate to spawning areas where they lay millions of eggs. They spawn at depths of 10,000 feet (3,000 meters). Spawning is when the male and female release their sperm and eggs, respectively, into the water and the sperm fertilize the eggs. After spawning, both the male and female European congers die. Their young, called leptocephali, are only three to five inches (7 to 13 centimeters) long when they are born. They return to shallow waters until they mature, and the cycle continues.
Although it is not known specifically how long European congers live, it is speculated they live for up to 20 years.
Bibliography
“Conger Eel.” A-Z Animals, 21 Apr. 2022, a-z-animals.com/animals/conger-eel/. Accessed 1 May 2024.
“Conger Eel.” The Marine Life Information Network, www.marlin.ac.uk/species/detail/2126. Accessed 1 May 2024.
“European Conger.” Animalia, animalia.bio/european-conger. Accessed 1 May 2024.