Common name: Longfin African conger

Scientific name: Conger cinereus Rüppell, 1830
A Geometric Moray Eel (Gymnothorax griseus) in the Red Sea, Egypt
Black and White Eel Swimming Over Coral ReefConger eel, Conger cinereus

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

  1. Kingdom
    Animals
    Animalia
  2. Phylum
    Chordates
    Chordata
  3. Class
    Ray-finned Fishes
    Actinopterygii
  4. Order
    Eels
    Anguilliformes
  5. Family
    Conger eels
    Congridae
  6. Genus
    Conger Eel
    Conger
  7. Species
    Longfin African conger
    Conger cinereus Rüppell, 1830
  8. Synonyms
    Conger altipinnis Kaup, 1856
    Conger flavipinnatus Bennett, 1832
    Veternio 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.