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European eel

Anguilla anguilla

The Genus is the rank between Family and Species

Anguilla anguilla is a Genus of the Anguillidae Family

Maximum size 1.33 M long,

Maximum published weight 6.599 kg 

Maximum reported age 85 years

Kingdom          Animalia                      (animals)

Phylum             Chordata                    (vertebrates and several closely related invertebrates)

Class                Actinopterygii              (ray-finned fishes)

Order               Anguilliformes             (eels and morays)

Family             Anguillidae                   (Freshwater eels)

Genus               Anguilla

Species            Anguilla anguilla

European eel

The European eel, Anguilla anguilla, is a snake-like, which can reach in exceptional cases a length of 1.33 M, but is normally much smaller, about 600 – 800 mm, and rarely more than 1 M. They are generally believed to spawn in the Sargasso Sea and the larvae (Leptocephalus) migrate towards Europe in a three-year-long migration. As glass eels they reach the coasts of Europe and enter estuaries. Before entering fresh water, the glass eels metamorphose into elvers. They spend most of their lives in freshwater, although recent studies on Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica) show that some populations never migrate into freshwater but spend their lives in marine or estuarine habitats. Those eels living in freshwater undergo changes in pigmentation; their bellies turn yellow. It is assumed that the yellow-coloring acts as a protection from predators as it makes it harder to visually detect the animals. The slimy coating of the eel is thought to protect the fish against changes in salinity.

Since the 1970s, the numbers of eels reaching Europe is thought to have declined by around 90% (possibly even 98%). It is unclear whether this is part of a normal long term cycle, or whether this reflects a decline in eel numbers generally. Potential causes include overfishing, parasites such as Anguillicola crassus, river barriers such as hydroelectric plants, and natural changes in the North Atlantic oscillation, Gulf Stream and the North Atlantic drift. Recent work suggests that PCB pollution may be a major factor in the decline.

Eels have been important sources of food both as adults (including the infamous jellied eels of East London) and as elvers. Elver fishing using basket traps has been of significant economic value in many river estuaries on the western sea-board of Europe.

Environment:    

benthopelagic;

Living and feeding near the bottom as well as in midwaters or near the surface. Feeding on benthic as well as free swimming organisms. Many freshwater fish are opportunistic feeders that forage on the bottom as well as in midwater and near the surface, also pertaining to forms which hover or swim just over the bottom

Depth range 0 - 700 m

pH range: 6 - 8 ;

Climate:            temperate; 4 - 22°C; 72°N - 41°N

Resilience:        Very low, minimum population doubling time more than 14 years

Come fishing in Devon, Enjoy Devon fishing holidays, stay in stunning holiday cottages and fishing, selfcatering cottages and fishing, fishing holidays Devon.