american-eel
Species Facts

Science Name: Anguilla rostrata
Other Names: Freshwater eel

 

Description

Anguilla and rostrata are both Latin, meaning "eel" and "beaked," respectively. The latter is probably a reference to the fish's snout. The American eel has a slender snakelike body with very small scales, and the fish may appear naked. A long dorsal fin usually extends for more than half the length of the body and is continuous with a similar ventral fin. Pelvic fins are absent. The back may be olive-green to brown shading to greenish-yellow on the sides and light gray or white on the belly.

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.

Tips for Fishing

Although many anglers are put off by the snake-like appearance of eels, and the prodigious amounts of slime they produce when captured, eels are in fact an exceptionally good fish. Eels are usually caught by anglers fishing for something else.