Conger eels

Longfin African conger (Conger cinereus)

The Longfin African conger (Conger cinereus) belongs to the family Congridae (conger eels) and is found in the Red Sea, with a wider Indo-Pacific range. It is a carnivore and usually seen alone. It reaches about 50 cm and is found at 1–50 m depth. IUCN conservation status: Least Concern. It is not dangerous to divers.

Longfin African conger (Conger cinereus), a Red Sea fish of the conger eels family
Photo: iNaturalist / Wikimedia Commons

Quick facts

Scientific nameConger cinereus
FamilyConger eels (Congridae)
Common name (IT)Grongo cinereo
Common name (EN)Longfin African conger
Maximum size50 cm
Depth1–50 m
DistributionRed Sea and Indo-Pacific
IUCN statusLC — Least Concern

Description

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

Where it lives

Present throughout the Red Sea, with a broader range across the tropical Indo-Pacific.

  • Red Sea
  • Indo-Pacific

Frequently asked questions

What family does the Longfin African conger belong to?
The Longfin African conger (Conger cinereus) belongs to the family Congridae (conger eels).
Is the Longfin African conger dangerous?
It is not dangerous to divers. As with any reef animal, do not touch or handle it.
Is the Longfin African conger endemic to the Red Sea?
No — it occurs in the Red Sea but its range extends across the Indo-Pacific.
How big does the Longfin African conger get?
It reaches a maximum length of about 50 cm.

Explore the Longfin African conger in 3D in the interactive atlas →