Blackedged Conger

The blackedged conger is a heavy-bodied eel of tropical and subtropical reefs along the KwaZulu-Natal coast. It is grey to brownish, thickening toward the head, with a pale belly and the characteristic dark margin along the dorsal and anal fins. By day it lies wedged in caves, ledges and crevices with only its head showing, emerging at night to hunt fish and crustaceans.

Divers usually see just the blunt snout and eyes peering from a hole. It is not aggressive but has strong jaws and needle-like teeth, so keep hands clear of occupied crevices. It is occasionally taken by rock-and-surf anglers fishing bait on the reef edge.