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Guayan pike-conger (Cynoponticus savanna) — Muraenesocidae

Guayan pike-conger

Cynoponticus savanna

The Guayan pike-conger (Cynoponticus savanna) is a brackish-water fish of the family Muraenesocidae that grows up to 150 cm.

Length
150 cm
Water
Brackish
Depth
0–100.0 m
Activity
Nocturnal
Body shape
Snake-like
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom
Danger
May bite
Edibility
Commonly eaten

Description

The guayan pike-conger is a large pike-conger (Muraenesocidae) from coastal and brackish water of the western Atlantic, off northern South America. The species grows to about 1.5 metres and has a robust, snake-shaped, greyish body with a large mouth full of sharp fangs. As a nocturnal bottom predator it shelters in estuaries and coastal water and hunts fish and crustaceans. The sharp teeth can give a deep bite; handle with care.

Frequently asked questions

How do you recognise the Guayan pike-conger?

The Guayan pike-conger has a snake-like body and is mainly silver-grey.

Where does the Guayan pike-conger live?

The Guayan pike-conger lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.

How big does the Guayan pike-conger get?

The Guayan pike-conger grows to a maximum of about 150 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.

Is the Guayan pike-conger dangerous to humans?

The Guayan pike-conger can bite, but is otherwise not dangerous to humans.

Is the Guayan pike-conger edible?

Yes, the Guayan pike-conger is commonly eaten.

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All data

Identification

Dutch name
Guyaanse snoekpaling sourced
English name
Guayan pike-conger sourced
Scientific name
Cynoponticus savanna
Family
Muraenesocidae
Other names
Guayana pike-conger; Pike; Pike-headed eel; Sapphire Eel; Sapphire eel verified

Appearance

Size class
Extra large verified
Max length (cm)
150.0 verified
Average length (cm)
50.0 verified
Body shape
Snake-like sourced
Dominant colour
Silver / grey sourced
Tail shape
Straight inferred

Habitat & distribution

Water type
Brackish sourced
Substrate
Sand / mud bottom sourced
Max depth (m)
100.0 verified
Origin
Native inferred

Behaviour & biology

Territorial
No inferred
Activity
Nocturnal sourced
Reproduction
Separate sexes inferred
Sexual dimorphism
No inferred

For anglers

Edibility
Commonly eaten inferred
Fishing method
Bodemvissen met natuurlijk aas (worm, garnaal of vis) op of vlak boven de bodem. inferred
Regulations source
FishBase ↗ inferred

Safety

Danger to humans
May bite verified

Status & sources

Sources
FishBase via GBIF (DwC-A), CC-BY-NC 4.0

Same genus Cynoponticus

More from the family Muraenesocidae

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