Pink Cusk-eel
Known in Chile as merluza de cola's deep-water cousin, the pink cusk-eel (Genypterus blacodes) — called congrio dorado by Chilean fishers — is a commercially important bottom fish of the southern Chilean coast.
It supports a managed industrial fishery from Talcahuano south to Cabo de Hornos, with the bulk of landings coming from the austral zone, including the Patagonian fjords.
Scientific Name: Genypterus blacodes
Also known as Congrio dorado, kingclip, pink ling
- Pinkish-yellow body covered in irregular reddish-brown to gray blotches and mottling; whitish on the belly — a pattern that helps distinguish it from the red cusk-eel (congrio colorado).
- Long, tapered, eel-like body with no separate dorsal or anal spines; continuous fins run most of the body length.
- Large mouth with thick, fleshy lips and strong canine-like teeth — built for gripping prey on hard bottom.
- Common fish run around 100 cm; large individuals reach 200 cm and up to 25 kg, with a documented lifespan of up to 46 years.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to the southern hemisphere; in Chile it ranges from roughly Talcahuano (Biobío Region) south to Cabo de Hornos, with the heaviest concentrations in the austral zone and Patagonian fjords.
- A bottom-dwelling deep-water species found from about 22 m down to 1,000 m; most fish are taken between 300 and 550 m.
- Occupies the Patagonian fjord system — one of the least-studied ocean regions in the world — as well as open continental shelf and slope habitat.
Key Locations
- Austral zone (south of ~41°S) — the core of the Chilean fishery, where industrial longliners and trawlers make the bulk of landings.
- Patagonian fjords — complex channel systems from Aysén south to Magallanes hold resident populations in deep, cold water.
- Talcahuano to Cabo de Hornos corridor — the full documented range of the Chilean fishery along the continental shelf and slope.
Specific Spots
- Hard or mixed bottom at depth — rocky outcrops and structured seafloor in the 300–550 m range concentrate fish and are the primary targets for longline sets.
- Methane seep areas and complex deep-sea structure have been documented as congregation points, likely tied to prey availability and cleaning behavior.
- Along the austral fjord channels, fish hold near the bottom where cold, oxygen-rich water meets the channel floor.
Pink Cusk-eel FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Pink Cusk-eel?
Cut fish bait and whole squid are the standard longline baits; the species responds well to natural, oily baits presented on or very near the bottom. Artisanal handline rigs typically use large circle hooks (to reduce gut-hooking in a slow-maturing species) weighted heavily enough to hold bottom in deep fjord channels.
When is the best time to fish for Pink Cusk-eel?
The commercial fishery operates year-round, subject to TAC limits set annually by Chilean fisheries authorities. Reproductive activity influences fish distribution seasonally.
How do you catch Pink Cusk-eel?
Congrio dorado is almost exclusively a commercial and artisanal target in Chile, pursued with bottom longlines and trawls in deep water from Talcahuano south. Artisanal fishers working the Patagonian fjords use heavy handlines or electric reels with baited rigs dropped to 300–550 m.
What do Pink Cusk-eel eat?
Feeds primarily on fish, crustaceans, and cephalopods (squid and octopus) on or near the seafloor, the strong canine teeth are built for gripping slippery prey. Longline baits that mimic cut fish or squid are the standard commercial approach.
Where do Pink Cusk-eel live?
Native to the southern hemisphere; in Chile it ranges from roughly Talcahuano (Biobío Region) south to Cabo de Hornos, with the heaviest concentrations in the austral zone and Patagonian fjords. A bottom-dwelling deep-water species found from about 22 m down to 1,000 m; most fish are taken between 300 and 550 m.
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