Bottom Feeder: European Eel or Common Eel (Anguilla anguilla)

The European Eel, also known as the Common Eel (Anguilla anguilla), is a snake-like fish that is highly sought after by freshwater anglers.

This eel exhibits a catadromous behavior, living in freshwater environments and migrating to the open sea for reproduction. It is not only valued for its culinary uses but also for the challenge it poses to anglers, as it fights vigorously until the last moment. Unfortunately, the European Eel is currently facing threats due to the presence of numerous dams that hinder its reproductive migration.

European eel or common eel (Anguilla anguilla) - Credit Bernard DUPONT on Wikimedia Commons - — **European eel or common eel (Anguilla anguilla)** – Credit Bernard DUPONT on Wikimedia Commons

Description of a Fish: European Eel or Common Eel

Determination

The European Eel has a serpent-like body with a circular and elongated cross-section, which earns it the nickname “water snake.” It possesses a relatively large head, with a small round eye and a terminal mouth. The lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw. The dorsal, caudal, and anal fins are fused, and the European Eel lacks pelvic fins. However, it has small but well-developed pectoral fins.

Class

Actinopterygii

Order

Anguilliformes

Family

Anguillidae

Genus

Anguilla

Species

A. anguilla

Binomial Name

Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758)

The binomial name for the european eel or common eel is Anguilla anguilla, with Linnaeus being credited as the authority who first described it in 1758.

Size and Weight

The average size of the European Eel ranges from 40 to 60 cm, weighing between 250 g and 1 kg. Males rarely exceed 50 cm in length. The largest individuals can reach up to 1.50 m in length and weigh around 9 kg.

Lifespan

The European Eel typically has a lifespan of 12 to 20 years. However, eels in captivity can live up to 50 years.

Habitat and Lifestyle of European Eel (Common Eel)

Habitat

The European Eel is found throughout Europe, from Portugal to the northern part of Norway, as well as along the Mediterranean coast. Its distribution extends westward to the Sargasso Sea. Some eels migrate far into freshwater environments, while others spend their entire lives in the sea. The European Eel is predominantly nocturnal, burying itself in the mud during the daytime. Interestingly, it is capable of moving and even hunting outside of water, thanks to the protective mucus covering its body.

Feeding Habits

During the “yellow eel” stage, the European Eel is a predominantly nocturnal scavenging predator. Its prey consists of insect larvae, crustaceans, live or dead fish, and even amphibians and rodents for larger individuals. Eels living in the sea primarily feed on crustaceans and small fish. In the “silver eel” stage, the European Eel does not feed and survives on the fat reserves accumulated during the “yellow eel” stage.

Reproduction

Between the ages of 6 to 12 years for males and 10 to 20 years for females, during the autumn, the European Eels undergo a series of biological and physiological transformations from the “yellow eel” stage to the “silver eel” stage. Their coloration changes, scales become distinct, their head becomes narrower, and their eyes enlarge. The eels also experience regression of the digestive tract. At this stage, they leave rivers, and their sexual maturity is completed during their long journey that leads them to the Sargasso Sea for reproduction. Females lay hundreds of thousands of eggs, which soon transform into larvae known as “glass eels.” The adult eels die after spawning, while the glass eels start their reverse journey back to freshwater habitats where their parents lived. There, they develop into the “yellow eel” stage.

Importance of the European Eel (Common Eel)

The European Eel is highly valued for its culinary uses, although it is considered overfished. It is a delicate and fragile fish. Additionally, the European Eel has gained popularity in the aquarium trade due to its potential for long-term captive life. For anglers, the European Eel presents a significant sporting challenge, as even small eels put up a fierce fight until being brought out of the water.

Fishing Techniques for European Eel

European Eels are typically targeted using sturdy bottom fishing rigs baited with worms, dead fish, or meat chunks. Once hooked, it is essential to apply strong and consistent pressure on the line, without giving the eel any slack, as it can easily entangle itself around obstacles, making it impossible to land. Eels are most active during the night, so fishing during nocturnal hours is advised if permitted by local regulations. Alternatively, dawn and dusk periods can also be productive.

Common names for European Eel

European Eel (Common Eel) is also known as Weed Eel or Sing Eel in UK.
Most popular common names for the European Eel are Anguille (french), Aal or Flussaal (german), Anguilla (italian), Anguila (spanish), Aal (dutch) and Wegorz (polish).

Conservation Status of the European Eel (Common Eel)

The European Eel is classified as critically endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List. This designation indicates an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.

The size of a European Eel can range from 40 to 60 cm on average, with larger individuals reaching up to 1.50 m in length.

The European Eel can be found throughout Europe, from Portugal to the northern part of Norway, as well as along the Mediterranean coast. It also migrates to the Sargasso Sea for reproduction.

The diet of the European Eel varies depending on its life stage. During the “yellow eel” stage, it preys on insect larvae, crustaceans, live or dead fish, and even amphibians and rodents. In the “silver eel” stage, it does not feed.

European Eels are commonly attracted to baits such as worms, dead fish, or meat chunks when fishing for them.

European Eels typically weigh between 250 g and 1 kg, with larger individuals reaching up to 9 kg.

The lifespan of a European Eel is typically between 12 to 20 years, although eels in captivity can live up to 50 years.

A European Eel has a snake-like body with a circular cross-section. It has a relatively large head, a small round eye, and a terminal mouth. The dorsal, caudal, and anal fins are fused, and it lacks pelvic fins.

European Eels are predominantly nocturnal and bury themselves in the mud during the daytime. They are capable of moving and hunting outside of water due to the protective mucus covering their bodies.

Fishing for European Eel often involves using sturdy bottom fishing rigs with bait such as worms, dead fish, or meat chunks. It is important to apply consistent pressure on the line when hooked to prevent the eel from entangling itself.

European Eel is highly valued for its culinary uses. It has a delicate taste and is considered a delicacy in many cuisines.

The European Eel is critically endangered due to a combination of factors, including habitat loss, pollution, overfishing, and barriers such as dams that hinder their migratory routes.

European Eels are primarily aquatic but are capable of moving and hunting outside of water, thanks to their protective mucus layer.

European Eel has a distinct and delicate flavor. It is often described as rich, fatty, and slightly sweet.

Yes, European Eel is considered a delicacy in many cuisines and is commonly consumed.

European Eel can be prepared in various ways, including smoking, grilling, baking, or frying. It is often used in traditional dishes such as eel stew or eel pie, depending on regional culinary preferences.

Bottom Feeder: European Eel or Common Eel (Anguilla anguilla)

The European Eel, also known as the Common Eel (Anguilla anguilla), is a snake-like fish that is highly sought after by freshwater anglers.