Fin's Fish Guide
The Common eel (Anguilla anguilla) is a fish that lives in both fresh and salt water of the family Anguillidae that grows up to 122 cm.
Europe and North Africa: growing up in fresh and brackish water, spawning in the Sargasso Sea in the western Atlantic.
Description
The European eel is a snake-shaped fish of the family Anguillidae reaching about 120 cm. The elongate body has a continuous fringe of dorsal, tail and anal fins and very small scales embedded in the smooth, slimy skin. Young fish are yellow-bellied, later turning silver as 'silver eels'. The species grows up in fresh and brackish water across Europe but reproduces in the Sargasso Sea thousands of kilometres away: adults migrate to sea in autumn, while glass eels return via the Gulf Stream. It hunts fish, crustaceans and worms at night. Through overfishing, barriers and disease the species is Critically Endangered, despite its popularity as smoked fish.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Common eel?
The Common eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a plain pattern. Snake-shaped fish with a continuous border of dorsal, caudal and anal fin and very small scales sunk into the skin; makes a spectacular trans-Atlantic spawning migration.
Where does the Common eel live?
The Common eel lives in both fresh and salt water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Europe and North Africa: growing up in fresh and brackish water, spawning in the Sargasso Sea in the western Atlantic.
How big does the Common eel get?
The Common eel grows to a maximum of about 122 cm. On average the species is around 35 cm.
Is the Common eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Common eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Common eel edible?
Yes, the Common eel is a highly prized food fish.
Easily confused with
These species look like the Common eel and live in the same waters.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Anguilla
More from the family Anguillidae
Want the complete picture on the Common eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Common eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.