Eel
Eel (Anguilla anguilla)
  Features: The long snake like appearance of the eel is its most distinguishing feature. It has small gills and pectoral fins, and a narrow dorsal fin.
Spawning: Unlike all other coarse fish species the eel spawns at sea. The location of these spawning grounds are believed to be the Sargasso Sea, although no adult eel has ever been located in the area. The newly hatched transparent larvae migrate across the Atlantic in less than one year, eventually metamorphosing into small pigmented eels called 'elvers'. At this stage the eel migrates into fresh water usually between April and June. The eel remains in freshwater for 7 to 40 years and then prepares for migration back to the spawning grounds. Prior to its migration back to the Sargasso Sea the coloration of the eel changes from golden to silvery hue.
Fecundity: Adult female eels produce several million eggs.
Longevity (age): Eels have been aged up to 40 years old.
Diet: Eels feed mainly on invertebrates, crustaceans, small fish and insect larvae.
Best Angling Methods: Float fishing and ledgering.
  Best Baits: Worms, maggots and small deadbaits for big specimens.
  Specimen Weight: 1.4 kg (3lbs)
     
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