Fin's Fish Guide
The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Anguillidae that grows up to 152 cm.
Eastern North America, in rivers, lakes and estuaries; catadromous, with a spawning migration to the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean.
Description
The American eel is a snake-shaped migratory fish of the family Anguillidae reaching about 1.5 metres and closely resembling the European eel. The round, slimy body has a long, continuous fringe of dorsal, tail and anal fins and very small scales embedded in the skin. The species is catadromous: it grows for years in rivers, lakes and estuaries of eastern North America and then migrates once over thousands of kilometres to the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic to spawn, after which the adults die. The transparent glass eels return to the coast with the currents. Through barriers, habitat loss and fishing the stock has declined sharply; the species is assessed as Endangered (EN).
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the American eel?
The American eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Snake-shaped migratory fish with a long, continuous dorsal, caudal and anal fin border and small scales; migrates thousands of kilometres to the Sargasso Sea to spawn.
Where does the American eel live?
The American eel lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Eastern North America, in rivers, lakes and estuaries; catadromous, with a spawning migration to the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean.
How big does the American eel get?
The American eel grows to a maximum of about 152 cm. On average the species is around 50 cm.
Is the American eel dangerous to humans?
No, the American eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the American eel edible?
Yes, the American eel is a highly prized food fish.
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All data
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Status & sources
Same genus Anguilla
More from the family Anguillidae
Want the complete picture on the American eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the American eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.