| 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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To Main Species page |
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