European Conger

Identification

The European conger is the largest eel species in Europe and can exceed 3 meters in length and 100 kg in weight. The body is snake-like, powerfully muscled, and scaleless. Color varies from dark grey to black on the back, with a lighter belly. The head is broad and flattened with a large mouth full of strong, sharp teeth. The upper jaw protrudes slightly. The dorsal fin runs as a continuous ridge from head to tail.

Behavior & ecology

The conger is a nocturnal predator that lives in shipwrecks, rock crevices, and under large boulders. By day it hides in holes and crevices; at night it hunts fish, squid, lobsters, and crabs. The conger bites powerfully and aggressively — a hooked specimen puts up a heavy fight. Adult congers migrate to the deep Atlantic to spawn and die after reproduction.

Fishing techniques

Conger fishing is heavy work:

• Wreck fishing: With heavy tackle and large fish strips or whole mackerel on strong hooks near wrecks. A wire trace is essential due to the sharp teeth.
• Rock fishing: From shore at rocky groynes or harbour walls, at night with baitfish on the bottom.

In the Netherlands

The conger occurs around wrecks and hard structures in the North Sea. Sport fishing catches are mainly known from boat trips to North Sea wrecks. Smaller specimens are occasionally caught at groynes along the Zeeland coast. The conger is edible but rarely eaten due to its bony flesh.