Common name: Longfin African conger
General information
The Reticulate Whipray, scientifically known as Conger cinereus, is a species of moray eel found in various marine environments. This species is recognized for its elongated, snake-like body and its ability to camouflage within its surroundings. Moray eels have a unique jaw structure that allows them to lock onto their prey with remarkable efficiency.
Details
- Recommended minimum tank volume
- 500 liter (130 gallons)
- Salinity
- S.G. 1.020 to 1.026
- Temperature
- 22 to 26 °C (72 to 79 °F)
- Acidity
- pH 7.8 to 8.4
- Average size
- 1.5 m (4′11″)
- Care level
- Moderate to easy Needs hiding spots and open sand
- Diet
- Carnivore Prefers live or frozen foods
- Social
- Solo Territorial, best kept alone
- Reefsafe
- No May prey on small fish/inverts
- Aggression
- Semi aggresive Can be aggressive, especially at night
- Captive bred
- No
Taxonomy
- KingdomAnimalsAnimalia
- PhylumChordatesChordata
- ClassRay-finned FishesActinopterygii
- OrderEelsAnguilliformes
- FamilyConger eelsCongridae
- GenusConger EelConger
- SpeciesLongfin African congerConger cinereus Rüppell, 1830
- SynonymsConger altipinnis Kaup, 1856Conger flavipinnatus Bennett, 1832Veternio verrens Snyder, 1904
Care
Keeping a Reticulate Whipray in a home aquarium requires a large tank with plenty of hiding spaces to mimic its natural habitat. These eels are carnivorous and prefer a diet of meaty foods such as fish, squid, and crustaceans. It is important to feed them a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition.
Reproduction
Moray eels, including the Reticulate Whipray, have a complex reproductive cycle that is not fully understood. In the wild, they reproduce through a process called broadcast spawning, where eggs and sperm are released into the water column. This method of reproduction is rarely observed in home aquariums.
Habitat
Reticulate Whipray is found in the Indo-Pacific region, from the Red Sea and East Africa to the Society Islands, north to southern Japan, and south to New Caledonia. They are typically found in reef environments, hiding within crevices and overhangs during the day and emerging at night to hunt.