description American eel Overview
The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is a catadromous fish native to Atlantic drainages of North America, the Caribbean, and parts of northern South America. It spawns in the Sargasso Sea; its transparent leaf-shaped larvae cross the Atlantic on ocean currents before becoming glass eels and entering estuaries, rivers, and lakes, where many spend years growing. Mature eels migrate back to the ocean to reproduce, making unobstructed waterways and connected freshwater, estuarine, and marine habitats important to its life cycle.
help American eel FAQ
What is the scientific name of the American eel?
The American eel is Anguilla rostrata. It is a catadromous fish, meaning it grows mainly in rivers and coastal waters but returns to the sea to reproduce.
Where does the American eel spawn?
The American eel spawns in the Sargasso Sea. Its transparent, leaf-shaped larvae then drift across the Atlantic on ocean currents.
Where is the American eel found?
Its range includes Atlantic drainages of North America, the Caribbean, and parts of northern South America. Individuals may live in freshwater, estuaries, or coastal marine habitats during different life stages.
How do American eel larvae reach North America?
The larvae cross the Atlantic with ocean currents before changing into glass eels and moving toward coastal and freshwater habitats. This long ocean journey is part of the species' unusual life cycle.
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