European eel

European Eel (Anguilla anguilla) is a species of eel, a snake-like, catadromous fish. They are native to the North Atlantic, including the Baltic Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, and the seas around northern Europe.

Description

The European eel has a slender, elongated body and a small, pointed head. They are typically brownish in color, but can vary from yellow to dark brown. The eel's length can reach up to 1.5 meters, but most individuals are much smaller.

Life Cycle

The life cycle of the European eel is complex and involves several stages. The eels are born in the Sargasso Sea, then migrate to the freshwater rivers and streams of Europe, where they grow and mature. After several years, they return to the Sargasso Sea to spawn and die. This migratory pattern is known as catadromy.

Conservation Status

The European eel is classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to a significant decline in population over the past several decades. Threats to the species include overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and barriers to migration such as dams and weirs.

In Culture

European eels have been a significant part of European culture and cuisine for centuries. They are often smoked or jellied and are a traditional dish in many European countries, including the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

See Also

• Eel life history
• Eel as food
• Conservation status