Science Name: | Anguilla rostrata |
Other Names: | Freshwater eel |
Description
The American eel, as well as the European eel, spawns during the winter in the Sargasso Sea, a tropical area northeast of Cuba. Adult eels spend most of their lives in freshwater, although he amount of time may vary among individuals. At some point, however, adults leave their freshwater habitats and move toward the Sargasso Sea. Neither adults or eggs have been collected in the vicinity of the Sargasso Sea, but newly hatched eels are found there. Presumably, spawning takes place in deep water and the adults die shortly thereafter. Young eels are transparent and leaf shaped.
Years ago when they were first collected they were thought to be a new fish species and erroneously give the scientific name Leptocephalus. Within about a year, growing and moving toward the mainland, the American eels transform into more eel-like forms called "glass eels" or "elvers" and are ready to enter freshwater (European eels have a much longer journey and the process takes about three years). By the time American eels get close to the coast they are about 6 inches in length. The species only begins to develop coloration when the young reach nearshore areas.
Where to Find
The American eel occurs in a variety of habitats, and is probably the most
wide-ranging fish latitudinally in North America. This species is known from
Greenland to as far south as Brazil. American eels occur as far west as New
Mexico, and are common through- out the Caribbean and the West Indies.
Habitat
Once they reach freshwater, females continue to migrate deep inland as far up
rivers and tributaries as they can. Males remain much closer to coastline areas.
Eels tend to hide under rocks or submerged rocks, during the day, and venture
out only at night to feed.
U.S. Record
The world record is 8.5 pounds.