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Endemic to the coasts of northern Europe and the Mediterranean, British authority Alwyne Wheeler states, "Its range is believed to extend south to South African waters, but there is a possibility that two species are involved in this range."

The conger is a large eel known to reach a length of 9 ft (2.4 m) and a weight of 143 lb (65 kg). It is easily distinguished from the moray eel by the presence of pectoral fins, which the moray lacks.

It also has a longer snout, its upper jaw is slightly longer than its lower jaw, the head is narrower in appearance, and the dorsal fin does not extend quite as far forward as in the moray. Congers inhabit relatively shallow waters in the vicinity of cover material such as rocks, reefs, pier pilings, and especially shipwrecks or other submerged objects suitable as hiding places.

They are known to eat octopus, lobsters, crabs, and many types of reef fishes. The conger's peat strength, sharp teeth, ability to swim backward, and propensity for remaining in or near cover make if a formidable foe and account for many broken lines.

Because it remains in sheltered places, it is almost exclusively an anglers' fish since it is highly unlikely to be taken in a net. Skin and scuba divers sometimes spear congers, but this does not account for a great portion of the catch.