Other names: Black eel, Bronze eel, Glass eel, Green eel, Yellow eel
The American eel, Anguilla rostrata, is a unique fish species with a snake-like body and smooth, slimy skin. It is known for its remarkable migratory behavior, moving between freshwater and marine environments. This nocturnal predator is often found in rivers, streams, and coastal waters across North America.
Other names
Black eel, Bronze eel, Glass eel, Green eel, Yellow eel
Length
~50" (max 150)
Weight
~4" (max 8)
Water
Fresh, salt, brackish
Water Temp
4-25° F
Depth
150-180 ft
Chicken Livers
Crabs
Grass shrimp
Minnows
Nightcrawlers
Sand worms
Shiners
WormsAlways open
25
9"
Total length
American eels inhabit a wide range of environments including rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters
They prefer muddy or sandy bottoms where they can hide during the day
These eels are nocturnal, coming out at night to feed on fish, crustaceans, and other small aquatic animals
They are also capable of surviving in both freshwater and brackish water environments
American eels have a complex life cycle that includes stages in both freshwater and the ocean
They spawn in the Sargasso Sea, where larvae drift with the currents towards North America
As they grow, they move into freshwater rivers and streams, where they remain for most of their lives
Mature eels migrate back to the Sargasso Sea to spawn and die, completing their lifecycle
