Giant mottled eel – Anguilla marmorata

Giant mottled eel, Giant Mottled Eel, Giant Long Finned Eel, Anguilla marmorata
Size: 70 cm
Depth: 1 - 400 m

Afghanistan, Albania, American Samoa, Andaman and Nicobar, Andorra, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Belarus, Belgium, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chad, China, Comoros, Cook Islands, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, England, Estonia, Eswatini, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, French Polynesia, Galapagos Islands, Germany, Greece, Guam, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Libya, Lithuania, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Mariana Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mayotte, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, New Caledonia, Niger, North Korea, North Macedonia, Northern Ireland, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Reunion Island, Romania, Russia, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Scotland, Serbia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Sumatra, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Wales, Wallis and Futuna, West Papua, Western Sahara, Yemen, Zimbabwe

Arabian Sea, Arafura Sea, Banda Sea, Bay of Bengal, Bismarck Sea, Coral Sea, East China Sea, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Solomon Sea, South China Sea, Sulu Sea, Timor Sea, Yellow Sea

The Giant Mottled Eel, Giant Long Finned Eel, scientifically known as Anguilla marmorata, is a fascinating species of eel found in various aquatic habitats across its distribution range. This eel is notable for its striking appearance and its adaptability to different water conditions.

Description & Characteristics

Anguilla marmorata is a relatively large eel, reaching a maximum size of 70.0 cm. Its body is elongated and serpentine, characteristic of eels. The coloration of this eel is distinctive, with a mottled pattern of dark brown and yellow spots on a light brown background. This intricate pattern helps Anguilla marmorata blend in with its surroundings, providing camouflage.

Habitat and Occurrence

Anguilla marmorata exhibits a wide range of habitats, including brackish water, estuaries (river mouths), freshwater, and mangrove zones. This adaptability allows the species to thrive in diverse aquatic environments. The depth range of Anguilla marmorata is also considerable, from 1.0 meters to 400.0 meters, suggesting its ability to navigate different depths within its habitat. These factors contribute to the widespread distribution of this eel across its geographic range.

Taxonomy

Anguilla marmorata is classified within the Class: Teleostei, Order: Anguilliformes, and Family: Anguillidae. This classification places it within the group of bony fishes that includes various eel species. The order Anguilliformes encompasses a diverse array of eel species, while the family Anguillidae specifically includes true eels, characterized by their elongated bodies and lack of pelvic fins.

Distribution and Occurrence

The Giant Mottled Eel, Giant Long Finned Eel (Anguilla marmorata) is typically found in brackish water, estuaries (river mouths), freshwater, and mangrove zones, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems. This eel’s ability to thrive in various water conditions contributes to its widespread distribution.

Feeding

Anguilla marmorata is a carnivorous eel with a diet primarily consisting of various invertebrates and small fish. Its feeding habits include consuming crabs, crustaceans, decapods, fish (little fishes), insects, shrimps, and worms. This opportunistic feeding strategy allows Anguilla marmorata to exploit a variety of food sources available within its habitat, making it a successful predator in its ecosystem.

Associated Species

Image References

Leave a Comment