European Eel ( Anguilla Anguilla )
European Eel - European Eel information - European Eel facts
The European Eel is a peculiar fish. Its colour varies from brown to silver depending on the stage of life the eel undergoes. Its length is approximately 100 cm (40 in) and its weight is up to 9 kg (20 lb). Anguilla anguilla has got a massive distribution all around Europe ranging from Scandinavia to Spain, Italy and Greece. It was also found in the northern parts of Africa.
Its swimming skills are doubtful as its rounded body only wriggles in the water. It spends its life usually on the river bottom hiding in the mud or in small gaps in the rocks. Its diet consists of small fishes, carrion and water invertebrates. The European Eel’s life can be divided into several periods including larval and post-larval period. They also migrate to the Atlantic Ocean, where the female eel lays her eggs. At the age of 3 years, the baby eels migrate from the Atlantic Ocean upstream into Europe. Their life span is about 30 years in the wild and approximately 60 years in captivity. The female ells tend to live longer.
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