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Daggertooth pike conger

Muraenesox cinereus

Daggertooth pike conger© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Daggertooth pike conger (Muraenesox cinereus) is a large, aggressive eel prized for its size and powerful runs. It inhabits coastal marine, brackish and occasional freshwater environments and is sought after by anglers for its fighting ability and novelty.

Fight
Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Muraenesocidae

Max Size

220 cm

Habitat

marine, freshwater, brackish

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Warm months (May‑September) in tropical and subtropical regions

Best Time

Nighttime, especially dusk to dawn when the eel is most active

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Daggertooth pike conger

  • Use strong, fast‑retrieving jigs or heavy soft plastics that mimic fleeing fish
  • Fish around structure such as reefs, drop‑offs, or river mouths where eels ambush prey
  • Employ live bait like cut fish or shrimp on a heavy leader to trigger aggressive strikes
  • Fish during low-light conditions and keep the drag set firm to handle sudden bursts

Top Fishing Locations for Daggertooth pike conger

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef

Australia
intermediate60% Common

Deep-water reef channels around Lizard Island attract large predatory eels, including daggertooth pike conger, especially during the spawning season.

Best: March-May

Okinawa Island

Japan
intermediate55% Common

The steep drop-offs off Okinawa's southern coast host abundant benthic eels; night-time bottom fishing yields frequent daggertooth catches.

Best: June-August

Coron Bay, Palawan

Philippines
beginner45% Occasional

Clear waters and reef slopes make Coron Bay a popular spot for targeting large congers on jig and live bait rigs.

Best: September-November

Ari Atoll

Maldives
expert70% Very Common

Remote atoll channels provide ideal deep-water habitats; anglers targeting large eels often find daggertooth pike conger here during the dry season.

Best: December-February

Christmas Island

Australia
expert75% Very Common

Pristine, offshore reef ledges around the island are renowned for abundant daggertooth pike conger, making it a hotspot for specialists.

Best: April-June

Dahab, Red Sea

Egypt
intermediate35% Occasional

The steep drop-offs off Dahab's reef crest attract a variety of large eels; daggertooth pike conger appear sporadically during cooler months.

Best: October-December

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Daggertooth pike conger

Recommended Equipment

RodHeavy‑action rod, 7‑8 ft length capable of handling 30‑80 lb test line
Line30‑80 lb test monofilament or braided line with a 30‑50 lb fluorocarbon leader
Lure TypeLarge jigheads, metal spoons, or deep‑water soft plastics (8‑12 in)
TechniqueJigging and live‑bait trolling near structure, primarily at night

Best bait: Live or fresh cut bait such as shrimp, sardines, or small mackerel