The Longfin African Conger (Conger cinereus) is a member of the family Congridae, and is known by several common names, including the Blacklip Conger, Moustache Conger, and Ashen Conger Eel. Its range covers much of the Indo-West Pacific, from the Red Sea and East Africa, to the Marquesas and Easter Islands.[2] It is generally found in shallow coastal and reef habitats, and is known for its nocturnal, often reclusive behavior.[3] The population found in Hawai'i was originally classified as a subspecies (C. cinereus marginatus), but was later changed to its own species (Conger marginatus).
The species has a slender, elongated body, with larger individuals reaching about 1.3-1.4 meters in length.[4] Its coloration is gray-brown in daylight, but has been reported to show blue-gray bands at night, which is thought to aid in camouflage.[3] A dark line below the eye that extends across the upper lip gives rise to the common name "Moustache Conger."[5]
Distribution and Habitat
Conger cinereus occurs across much of the Indo-West Pacific. Its range extends from the Red Sea and eastern African region, including Madagascar, the Seychelles, and Tanzania, to the Marquesas and Easter Islands.[2] Reports place the northern edge of its range around southern Japan and the Ogasawara Islands, with its southern limit being recorded around northern Australia and Lord Howe Island.[6]
It is found in various coastal habitats, including reefs, seagrass beds, and sandy bottoms, and is usually found between 1 and 80 meters deep, with occasional records from greater depths.[4] It has also been documented in brackish waters, and frequently occupies neritic and subtidal zones near reefs.[2]
Behavior
The species is generally nocturnal, and tends to be solitary, remaining concealed in crevices, sand, or rubble during the day.[3] After dark, it emerges to feed, sometimes remaining still in exposed spots when illuminated.[3] Its diet consists largely of small fish and crustaceans, though it may scavenge on occasion.[4] Within its habitats, the species acts as a nocturnal predator, helping to control the population of smaller reef animals.[3]
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