The European Eel, scientifically known as Anguilla anguilla, is a fascinating and unique fish species with a complex life cycle and a remarkable journey across vast distances. Renowned for its serpentine form and nocturnal habits, the European Eel has captivated both scientists and anglers for centuries.
Description & Characteristics
The European Eel is characterized by its elongated, cylindrical body, which is often described as resembling a snake. Its skin is smooth and slimy, devoid of scales, and typically ranges in color from olive green to brown on the dorsal side, fading to yellow or white on the ventral side. The Anguilla anguilla is also known for its powerful, muscular tail, which propels it with remarkable speed and agility through water.
Adult European Eels can attain a maximum size of 122.0 cm, though they usually reach a more modest length of around 60-80 cm. These fish can be found at depths ranging from the surface to 700.0 meters, inhabiting a variety of aquatic environments, including rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters.
Habitat and Occurrence
The European Eel is a highly adaptable species, thriving in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. While their life cycle involves a complex migration between these environments, they are often found in Subtidal, sublittoral, infralittoral, deep zones of the oceans from the lower limit of the intertidal zone (intertidal) to the shelf edge at about 200 m water depth. neritic., making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems.
Taxonomy
The species Anguilla anguilla belongs to the Class: Teleostei, Order: Anguilliformes, and Family: Anguillidae. This classification places it within the group of ray-finned fishes, specifically within the order of eels, which includes a diverse array of species with elongated bodies and distinctive features. The family Anguillidae encompasses a range of eel species, characterized by their scaleless bodies and the absence of pelvic fins.
Feeding
The European Eel is an opportunistic carnivore, feeding on a variety of prey items including crustaceans, fish (especially small fish), invertebrates, and worms. They primarily hunt at night, utilizing their keen sense of smell and touch to locate their prey. Their diet can vary significantly depending on the availability of prey and the specific habitat they inhabit.
Image References