Latin name

Congresox talabonoides

Other name

Common eel, conger-pike eel, daggertooth pike-conger or Indian putyekanipa.

Identification

The Indian pike conger has 132 to 135 vertebrae. The body is stocky, shaped like an eel. The mouth is very large, with an opening that extends well beyond the eyes. The pores on the lateral line do not reach the level of the anus 41 or 42.

Features of fish fins

Dorsal spines (total): 0; Anal spines: 0.

The dorsal fin is anterior to the gill openings, with 57-68 fin rays not reaching the level of the respiratory tract; the pectoral fins are relatively small, about 4 times the length of the head.

Fish colouring

The head and body coloration of the Indian pike conger ranges from olive to golden yellow. 

Distribution

It is a tropical marine eel known from the Indo-West Pacific Ocean, including Somalia, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, the Philippines, Hong Kong and Taiwan. 

Habitat

It inhabits depths from 800 to 875 meters (2,625 to 2,871 feet) soft sediments in coastal waters and estuaries. 

Size

Males can reach a maximum total length of 250 centimeters (98 inches), but most commonly reach a length of 180 centimeters (71 inches).

Behavior

Amphidromous species. Occupies coastal waters and estuaries with soft bottoms.

Food and feeding habits

It feeds at night. Its diet consists of bony fish, shrimp and other bottom-dwelling crustaceans. 

Reproduction

Spawning in India occurs in April-May and September-October. 

Fishing

It is a commercial fish that is mostly sold fresh in the markets. It is also caught with purse seines.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.