Description:

Dorsal spines: 0; Anal spines: 0; Vertebrae: 139-146.

Body elongate and cylindrical, compressed along tail. Dorsal fin originating about over middle of pectoral fins. Mouth reaching to slightly beyond centre of eye. Upper and 
lower lips well developed. 2 rows of teeth in jaws, those of outer row larger; closely set and compressed to form cutting edge.

Colour. Grey to brown shading paler ventrally with black margin on median fins. A black spot on pectorals, absent on juveniles, and a black bar under eye. Assumes a pattern 
of broad dark bands at night. 
 

Maturity: Lm unknown. Range unknown. Max Length: 140cm TL. Commonly 50cm TL. 
 

Generally found on coral reefs, on ledges and in crevices, shallow lagoons, slopes, reef flats and outer reef slopes (depth 1-80m). Occasionally found in estuaries. Typically
nocturnal and solitary. Feeds on fish and crustaceans. 
 

This species is not protected or subject to fishery regulations. It is caught in net fisheries and occasionally by hook, but is an uncommon to rare component of the catch.

Fischer, W. & G. Bianchi (eds), (1984).  FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean; (Fishing Area 51). Prepared and printed with the 
support of the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). Rome, Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations, vols 1-6.
Froese, R. & D. Pauly. (Eds.) (2019). FishBase. https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Conger-cinereus (22/07/19).
McCosker, J. et al. (2019). Conger cinereus. The IUCN Red List 2019: http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-1.RLTS.T199200A2568888.en. (22/07/19).

Nevill, J.E.G. (2019). Conger cinereus, Longfin African conger. Seychelles Seatizens. www.seatizens.sc. https://seatizens.sc/species/conger-cinereus-ruppell-1830/ (edited 02/07/22).