Anguillidae

Anguilla dieffenbachii 31294840

オオウナギ若魚

Anguilla-anguilla 1

Rostrata

Anguilla japonica

Anguillidae is a family of fishes known commonly as the freshwater eels. Anguillidae are elongate fishes, ranging in size from small to quite large, and are distinguished by their snake-like appearance, with their long bodies and absence of pelvic fins. This family is of significant interest both ecologically and commercially. They are found in freshwater environments across the globe, with species also capable of living in brackish or marine waters, especially during different stages of their life cycle.

Description

Members of the Anguillidae family have elongated bodies that can stretch up to several meters in some species, such as the European eel (Anguilla anguilla). They possess small scales embedded in their skin, giving them a smooth appearance. Their dorsal, caudal, and anal fins are connected, forming a continuous fin that runs along much of the body length, aiding in their serpentine swimming motion. Anguillidae lack pelvic fins, and their pectoral fins are relatively small.

Distribution and Habitat

Anguillidae species are primarily found in freshwater rivers, lakes, and streams, but they are also known to inhabit brackish and marine environments during different phases of their life cycle. They have a wide distribution, with species found in temperate, tropical, and subtropical regions worldwide. The American eel (Anguilla rostrata), for example, is found in North America, while the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) is native to East Asia.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of Anguillidae eels is complex and involves several stages, including a significant migration. Most species are catadromous, meaning they live in freshwater but migrate to the ocean to spawn. The larvae, known as leptocephali, are planktonic and drift with ocean currents back to freshwater habitats, where they grow into juveniles and eventually mature adults. This migration can cover thousands of kilometers and is still not fully understood.

Diet

Anguillidae are generally carnivorous, feeding on a variety of prey including small fish, invertebrates, and sometimes dead animal matter. Their diet varies with age, size, and available food sources in their habitat.

Conservation

Many species within the Anguillidae family are facing threats from overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and barriers to migration such as dams. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed several species as endangered or critically endangered. Conservation efforts are underway in various parts of the world to protect these unique fishes and their habitats.

Economic Importance

Freshwater eels are of considerable economic importance in many cultures, particularly in East Asia, where they are a delicacy and an important part of the cuisine. They are fished commercially and farmed in aquaculture. However, the sustainability of these practices is a growing concern due to declining eel populations.