European Eel
The European Eel is a species of fish known for its incredible migratory journey. It is a catadromous fish, which means it lives in freshwater for most of its life but returns to the ocean to spawn. The journey to its spawning grounds can be thousands of miles, and it must overcome a variety of obstacles, including rapids, waterfalls, and dams.
The European Eel is a vital part of its ecosystem, but its numbers have been declining due to overfishing and pollution.
European Eel
Classification
Actinopterygii > Anguilliformes > Anguillidae > Anguilla > A. anguilla
Native To
Conservation Status
Average Height
2 - 3 feet
(0.6 - 0.9 m)
Average Weight
1.5 - 2 lbs
(0.7 - 0.9 kg)
Average Life Span
10 - 20 years
Gestation Period
NA
Did You Know?
The European Eel undergoes one of the most incredible migrations of any animal, traveling thousands of miles from freshwater rivers to the Sargasso Sea to spawn.
They can live for a surprisingly long time, with some individuals recorded living over 80 years in captivity.
European Eels are critically endangered due to habitat loss, pollution, and overfishing.
They have a unique life cycle, starting as tiny, transparent larvae called leptocephali before transforming into "glass eels" and then "elvers" as they enter freshwater.
Despite their snake-like appearance, European Eels are fish.
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