Fish Identification Photos: California Conger Eel, Paraconger californiensis: The California Conger Eel has distinctive markings that include an eye with a dark iris and a surrounding dark ring that is 20 percent open at the bottom, and a dark blotch just behind and above the eye.

The California Conger Eel has a large rounded mouth, and a tail that comprises 67 percent of its total length. The general appearance is a uniform tan coloration with the exception of the noted dark blotch. The anal, caudal and dorsal fins have white edges. The California Conger Eel can be confused with the Sharpnose Conger Eel, Ariosoma gilberti (tail is 50 percent of total length); the Short Snout Conger Eel, Chiloconger obtusus (snout length less than eye diameter, blunt snout, tail is 60 percent of total length); and the Short Tail Conger, Paraconger similes (large mouth, tail is 57 percent of total length).

The California Conger Eel is a member of the Congridae Family which includes Conger Eels and Garden Eels, with the genus Paraconger including eight species know globally, two of which are found in the tropical Eastern Pacific and both in Mexican waters. The Conger Eels have stout cylindrical “eel shaped” bodies with rounded snouts, large eyes and lips, and bodies that taper toward the tail. Their dorsal fins originate over the well-developed pectoral fins and the top of the small gill opening is over the pectoral fin base. Conger Eels have a straight, complete lateral line. The anal, caudal and dorsal fins are continuous. They have tails (measured from the anus) that are longer than their heads and body.

In Mexico the California Conger Eel is found south of San Quintin along the Pacific side of the Baja California peninsula, in the lower one-third of the Sea of Cortez, and along the mainland south to Guatemala. It is also reported to be present around the Revillagigedos Islands. The California Conger Eel is found 50 to 150 feet deep in the water column over sandy bottoms. It reaches a maximum length of 24 inches. For the brave at heart we have heard reports that California Conger Eels make good table fare. We have also heard reports that they are considered dangerous but the scientific literature indicates that they are harmless.

California Conger Eel, Paraconger californiensis: Caught with Capt. Pata in the panga Salome, La Playita, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico, mid-morning in January 2004, in 74-degree, 100 foot deep water, utilizing a 30-pound test with a 40-pound two dropper loop rig, with swivel, 3-ounce bank sinker, and Mustad 92553 hooks, size 2/0 on cut squid, 10 miles north of La Playita. Size approximately 36 inches and 1.5 pounds. Description and photos courtesy John Snow. Fish identity courtesy Dr. Ross Robertson, Smithsonian Institute, Panama.