Top American Conger Fishing Countries

The American conger (Conger oceanicus) is a large, eel-like fish found along the western Atlantic coast, from Cape Cod down to northeastern South America, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Recognized for its elongated body and powerful jaws, the American conger is a nocturnal predator inhabiting rocky reefs and sandy bottoms. While not as commercially significant as its European counterpart, the American conger is harvested in moderate quantities, primarily as bycatch in trawl and longline fisheries targeting other species. The United States, particularly the Atlantic coastal states such as Massachusetts and North Carolina, is the leading country in harvesting this species, with smaller-scale fisheries present in the Caribbean nations and parts of South America. However, the American conger does not support a major targeted fishery, and its commercial value is relatively low compared to other eel species, with most of the catch used for local consumption or bait.

Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.