european eel
Scientific name | Anguilla anguilla |
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Descriptor | Linnaeus |
Year of description | 1758 |
IUCN category | CR |
Family | Anguillidae |
Genus | Anguilla |
Introduction
Anguilla anguilla, commonly known as european eel, is a fresh water fish from the Europe.
Who is it?
Genus Anguilla
Eels are serpentine fishes with a cylindrical body. They have small scales embedded in their dermis. Their skin is covered by abundant mucus.
In 2019, 19 species of eels have been identified. Genus Anguilla belongs to the Anguilliformes, which is composed of this single genus sub-group. These species live in tempered as well as tropical oceans.
All eels share a similar reproduction cycle. First, larvae are born in the sea and migrate to the continental shelf where they go through morphological changes. Then, they colonize all the freshwater streams. Using this strategy avoids an intra-species competition.
Morphology
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Average size50 cm
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Maximum size150 cm
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Longevity6 year
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ShapeSerpentiform
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Average size50 cm
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Maximum size150 cm
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Longevity6 year
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ShapeSerpentiform
How to recognize the european eel ?
The european eel measures between 50 and 150 cm. This fish is unicolore with a predominantly marron body.
Behaviour & Life cycle
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dietcarnivorous
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Sociabilitysolitary
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territorialNo
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Way of livingnocturnal
The european eel is a fish solitary naturally found near the bottom. This species is carnivorous . This fish lives mainly at night. Usually, it leaves its hiding place and starts to be active once it gets dark.
n general, this species does not care much about other animals crossing its path.
Reproduction
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Reproductionovipare oeufs flottants
The european eel is a fish ovipare oeufs flottants.
Harmless species
This species does not represent any particular threats to humans when encountered in its natural environment.
Where to find it?
What is its habitat?
Natural environment characteristics
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Temperature2 - 22 °C
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pH (acidity)7.2 - 8.2
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gh (hardness)10 - 30
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FlowStrong, Medium and Slow
Biotope presentation
The european eel prefers well oxygenated waters in current areas and rapids. It frequents fast flowing waters where the bottom is strewn with pebbles, wood or leaves carried by the current. It can be found not far from waterfalls .
To go further
Sources & Contributions
Participation & Validation
The Fishipedia team and specialist contributors are committed to providing high-quality content. However, although the information comes from scientific sources or testimonials from specialists, the cards may contain inaccuracies.
Robert Allgayer
Patrick Chartrer
Benoit Chartrer
Translation
Translation done with the valuable contribution of our translators, who make this information available to a wider audience. We sincerely thank them for their commitment.
In collaboration with : Fédération Française Aquariophilie
Bibliographic references
Les Poissons d'eau douce de France - Eric Feunteun - Jean Allardi - Philippe Keith - Biotope Edition - 2011. Collection Inventaires & Biodiversité, publication scientifique du Muséum