Conger conger (Linnaeus, 1758)

Synonyms: None.

Common names: Engl: Conger-eel; Russ: Morskoy ugor; Turk: Migri.

Order (Scientific): ANGUILLIFORMES.

Family (Scientific): CONGRIDAE.

Taxonomic description: Eel shaped body with a subcylindrical front end. Elongated snout with a wide mouth and big lips. Well developed pectorals. Colour varies from blackish to whitish. Maximum length 2 metres.

IUCN Status:
    World level:
    Black Sea Regional level: VU
    Subregion level: VU

Distribution:

Habitats type, Critical habitats, Limiting factors: This species lives on sandy-muddy, rocky bottom, to depths of 100 metres . Benthonic life. Marine zones near 100 meters, underwater caves and reefs for breeding.

Biology:This species is a carnivore, feeding on fishes, crustaceans and cephalopods, benthonic life, sexual maturity starts at 5 years, 3 to 8 million eggs production.

Population trends: There is no available information on the population trends. But due to overfishing and pollution in the Black Sea, the decline is possible.

Threats: Turbidity, food shortage and pollution.

Conservation measures taken: None.

Conservation measures proposed: Mitigating all kinds of pollution, stopping the overfishing.

References:

1. Aksiray, F. 1987. Turkish Marine Fishes Identification Book. Publication of Univerisy of Istanbul, No. 3490. The Second Edition. 811 pp. Istanbul, Turkey.

Compiled by: B.Öztürk.