Distribution:

Rivers of North Atlantic, Baltic and Mediterranean Seas. Continuous introductions to Asia and South and Central America, but not reproducing. Spawning area in western Atlantic (Sargasso Sea). Also distributed along the coast of Europe from the Black Sea to the White Sea. At least one country reports adverse ecological impact after introduction.

Diagnosis:

Dorsal spines (total): 0-0; Anal spines: 0-0. Vertebrae 110-119. Gill openings small and vertical, restricted to sides. Lower jaw slightly longer and projecting. Dorsal fin origin far behind pectoral fins. Anal fin origin slightly behind anus, well back from origin of dorsal fin. Pelvic fins absent.

Biology:

Young eels spend their growing period in freshwater. They stay in freshwater for 6-12 years for males; 9-20 years for females. At the end of their growth period, they become sexually mature and the eels migrate to the sea where they inhabit deep waters. The live on the bottom, under stones, in the mud or in crevices. Adults do not feed during migration to sea. Gametogenesis occurs entirely during migration towards the Sargasso Sea. Spawning takes place in late winter and spring in the Sargasso Sea. The leptocephali are brought by the Gulf Stream to the coasts of Europe. This drifting migration lasts for up to 3 years. They are transformed into elvers before entering the continental coastal zones and the estuaries. They evolve into small eels before moving into freshwater basins . Occurs at temperatures ranging from 0-30°C. Is an individualist in all its stages. The 'schools' of elvers and young eels which are observed from time to time in estuaries and rivers are a mass response to outward conditions and not of active assembling. Its food includes virtually the whole aquatic fauna (freshwater as well as marine) occurring in the eel's area, augmented with animals living out of water, e.g. worms. At an age of 6-30 years, eels begin to undergo a remarkable series of changes, eyes are enlarged, head becomes pointed, skin on the back darker, while that on the belly becomes shiny and silvery. Best temperature for making eels sexually mature is 20-25°C. Utilized fresh, dried/salted, smoked and frozen; can be fried, boiled and baked.

Max. size: 150.0 cm; 130.0 cm (female);

Max.weight: 6,000.0 g; max.weight: 2,850.0 g

Environment: demersal; depth range - 0 m

Climate: temperate; 4 - 20°C; 70°N - 25°N

Canary Islands country information:[ No common name ]