Conger Eel

The conger eel (Conger conger) is a large, snake-shaped marine fish that inhabits the coastal waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Unlike the freshwater European eel, it has a more robust body and can grow to over two metres in length. Its flesh is firm, white and less fatty than that of the river eel, with a distinctive flavour. It is particularly prominent in Portuguese, Spanish and Japanese cuisines. The Japanese anago is precisely the conger eel, as opposed to unagi, which refers to the freshwater eel. It is prepared by grilling, braising or as part of fish soups and ragouts. The flesh contains very few small bones, making it easy to work with.