Latin name

Conger verreauxi

Other name

Conger-eel, сonger eel, short-finned conger-eel, southern conger eel, southern conger-eel.

Identification

The fish is named after Kaup's friend Julius "Jules" Verreaux (1807-1873), a botanist, ornithologist and naturalist who collected the specimen in Australia.

This species is very similar to Conger wilsoni. The arrangement of the dorsal fins can be used to distinguish these species. In Conger wilsoni the dorsal fin begins just behind the tip of the pectoral fin, whereas in Southern Conger the dorsal fin begins above the tip of the pectoral fin. Other differences include the number of vertebrae, the pores on the lateral line and the number of rays in the dorsal fin.

Features of fish fins

The dorsal fin runs along the back just behind the head and merges seamlessly with the caudal and anal fins.

Fish colouring

The southern conger is dark grey to blue-black in colour. The dorsal and anal fins of juveniles have a narrow black band.

Distribution

Widespread in the eastern Indian Ocean and south-western Pacific, including South Australia and New Zealand. 

Habitat

A marine species that prefers temperate climates. Can be found at depths of up to 100 metres.  

Size

These fish can grow to 2 metres in length and weigh up to 5 kg. They are most commonly found at a length of 125 cm.

Behavior

Often found around rocky areas in broken reef areas.

Food and feeding habits

At night this species feeds on fish, crustaceans and cephalopods.

Reproduction

Fecundity is 3-8 million eggs. The eggs are small and floatable. Fish die after spawning. Transparent, flat larvae (leptocephalus), 16 cm long, drift in surface water layers for 1-2 years.

Fishing

The species is of negligible commercial interest in fisheries.

Relationship with a person

Harmless.