Common Names
Members of the family Congridae are commonly referred to as conger eels, garden eels, or by their specific species name. Some examples include:
- Conger eel (Conger conger)
- Garden eel (Heteroconger spp.)
- Spotted garden eel (Heteroconger hassi)
Characteristics
Conger eels share a number of characteristics that distinguish them from other eel families. These include:
- Elongated body, typically lacking pectoral fins.
- Large mouth with numerous sharp teeth.
- Dorsal fin extending from the head to the tail.
- Anal fin extending from the anus to the tail.
- Caudal fin often reduced or absent.
- Lateral line present, running along the sides of the body.
Environments
Conger eels inhabit a diverse range of marine environments, from shallow coastal waters to the deep sea. They can be found on the seabed, in rocky crevices, coral reefs, and even within sand or mud. Different species have specific adaptations for their preferred habitats.
- Conger eels (Conger spp.) are often found in deeper waters, inhabiting rocky reefs and shipwrecks.
- Garden eels (Heteroconger spp.) are known for their burrowing behavior and can be seen in large groups on sandy bottoms.
References
