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Pike-conger, Congresox talabonoides
Pike-congers are eel-like fish primarily found in tropical seas. Only a single species has appeared in the aquarium trade, Congresox talabonoides, the Indian pike-conger.
Almost nothing is known to me about this species as an aquarium fish. The specimens on sale at Wildwoods in Enfield appeared to be healthy, feeding well, and seemingly peaceable towards one another and the other fish in the tank, even after six months of maintenance.
These fish are physically rather attractive, with a streamlined, golden-green body and a beautiful fins. The head is long and tapering, with narrow jaws filled with small, needle-like teeth. Almost certainly this species will consume fish small enough to swallow whole, but it doesn’t appear to have the robust jaws typical of more opportunistic feeders or eels capable of crushing the shells of invertebrates. Wild fish are known to be nocturnal.
Maximum size in the wild is said to be 250 cm, but in all probability these fish will stay much smaller in captivity, as is usually the case with moray eels and common eels. These specimens were being sold as brackish water fish, though a moderately high salinity (SG 1.010+) is likely essential for long term success.
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