Fin's Fish Guide
The Thinlip conger (Gnathophis mystax) is a saltwater fish of the family Congridae that grows up to 60 cm.
Description
The thinlip conger is a small, slender conger eel of the family Congridae reaching about 60 cm. The round, grey-brown body has large eyes, thin lips and a continuous fin fringe in which the dorsal, tail and anal fins merge. The species lives on sand and mud bottoms of the continental shelf and slope of the eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean, usually between tens and eight hundred metres. By day it buries itself in the soft bottom; at night it emerges to hunt small crustaceans, worms and small fish. Like other eels it develops through a transparent, leaf-shaped leptocephalus larva. Because of its small size it has no fishery importance.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Thinlip conger and live in the same waters.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Thinlip conger?
The Thinlip conger has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern.
Where does the Thinlip conger live?
The Thinlip conger lives in the sea (marine waters) and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Thinlip conger get?
The Thinlip conger grows to a maximum of about 60 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Thinlip conger dangerous to humans?
No, the Thinlip conger is harmless to humans.
Is the Thinlip conger edible?
The Thinlip conger is not usually eaten.
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Same genus Gnathophis
More from the family Congridae
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