Eels
Anguilla anguilla
Details
A long cylindrical fish,the anal and dorsal fins are one continuous fin the only paired fins are the pectorals.
The scales are very small and deeply embedded and only appear on mature specimens.
Spawned in the Sargasso sea, the Gulf stream brings the small willow leaf like larvae to our shores where they find their way into river mouths.
Here they develop into young eels called Elvers, in April these elvers migrate up river, overcoming all obstacles, crossing land if needs be in order to find a suitable place to settle, here they remain for many years before returning to the Sargasso sea to spawn and die.
Average Weight 12 oz.
Specimen fish 4.lbs.(2.8 kg).
Colouring
Back = Grey/Green
|
Flanks = Brown/Grey
|
Underside = Off White
|
Fins = Brown
|
Habitat
In hollows at the bottom of rivers,canals,lakes,reservoirs and ponds.
Natural foods include molluscs,small fish,frogs,insects and larvae.
back to top
Return to Species
|
|
|
|
|
