American Eel
American Eel
Glass Eel, Green Eel, Atlantic Eel, Bronze Eel
Anguilla rostrata

Description:

Elongated cylindrical eel-like body. Body is robust while the tail is tapered and compressed. May appear olive-green/greenish-yellow, brown/tan, or dark-gray and fade to white near the belly. Sometimes, no fading occurs and a distinct break between the colors on the back and belly may be observed. It has a forward-oriented mouth with an underbite. Dorsal and anal fins are continuous with its tail fin. Well-developed pectoral fins and no pelvic fins.

Average Maximum Size:

152 cm (60 in)

Adults Distinguishing Characteristics:

American Eels can be distinguished from snake eels such as the Speckled Worm Eel and Shrimp Eel by the presence of a finned tail which is an extension of a continuous dorsal fin and ventral fin. Additionally the American Eel's protruding lower jaw differs from that of regional snake eels which lack the notable underbite of the American Eel.

Juveniles Distinguishing Characteristics:

Like other anguillid eels, American Eels undergo several juvenile stages as they develop. Glass eels are juvenile stage American Eels that appear transparent and are the first stage after American Eels exit open ocean currents and move towards shore. The next stage is the elver stage where the skin begins to develop dark pigmentation. Finally, they develop into yellow eels, which are sexually immature adults exhibiting a yellow-green color.

Range:

Southern Greenland to Argentina.

Habitat:

The American eel is a catadromous species. Adults migrate out of freshwater to spawn in the Sargasso Sea during autumn. Juveniles and young adults develop in permanent freshwater or brackish streams and rivers or in freshwater lakes with silty/muddy bottoms. When migrating, adults are typically associated with salt and brackish coastal waters with soft muddy bottoms.

Notes:

Regulated Species:

Yes
Species: Anguilla rostrata
Family: Anguillidae
Family Description: Freshwater eel
Mouth Type: Terminal
Tail Type: Continuous
Dorsal Type: Continuous

Similar Species

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Eel Shrimp
Shrimp Eel
Speckled Worm Eel
Speckled Worm Eel