European Eel
Anguilla anguilla
- Group: Eel
- Typical depth: 0–700 m
- Max size: 1.2 m
- For divers: safe
- IUCN status: CR
Born in the open Atlantic, the European eel drifts as a transparent larva to coasts across Europe, then settles into rivers and lakes for years before migrating back to sea to spawn and die. Solitary and territorial, it can reach well over a metre, and its numbers have collapsed to critically endangered levels.
Taxonomy: Animalia › Chordata › Teleostei › Anguilliformes › Anguillidae › Anguilla
Species data via the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), AphiaID 126281.
FAQ
- How deep does the European Eel live?
- The European Eel (Anguilla anguilla) is typically found at 0–700 m.
- Is the European Eel dangerous to divers?
- The European Eel is harmless to divers.
- How big does the European Eel get?
- The European Eel grows to about 1.2 m.