American eel
Anguilla rostrata
Summary 2
Family: Anguillidae
American eels(Anguilla rostrata) are actually born in the Atlantic Ocean, then swim all the way up rivers into the Great Lakes. They remain in the Great Lakes for several years or more before returning to the Atlantic Ocean to reproduce. Males are thought to remain near the ocean’s coast, so the vast majority, if not all, of the eels in the Great Lakes are females. Secretive and nocturnal, they are rarely encountered. Overfishing and dams have caused their numbers to drop significantly.
How to recognize: Long, snake-like body. Typical fish mouth (not like a lamprey). Lower jaw extends farther forward than upper jaw. Nostrils are tubes. Long fin along the back that is continuous with the tail. Long fin below the body that is continuous with the tail. Up to 4 feet /1.2 meters long.
Sources and Credits
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