How to Identify European Eel

To identify European Eel (Anguilla anguilla), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

eel-like

Coloration

Highly variable depending on life stage and habitat. Yellow eels typically have a yellowish-brown to olive-green back and yellowish belly. Silver eels develop a darker, metallic-grey back and silvery-white belly, with enlarged eyes. Glass eels are transparent.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, snake-like body, Small, embedded scales (often not visible to the naked eye), Continuous dorsal, caudal, and anal fins, Small, well-developed pectoral fins, Large mouth extending to below the eye, Lower jaw slightly protruding

Dorsal fin

Long, continuous, confluent with caudal and anal fins, originating far behind the pectoral fins.

Tail fin

Rounded, confluent with dorsal and anal fins.

Pectoral fin

Small, fan-like, located just behind the head.

Distinctive fins

Absence of pelvic fins.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Shape

   Its distinctly elongated, snake-like body is a primary identifier. Unlike lampreys, eels have jaws and paired fins (pectoral).

2. 2

   Fin Structure

   The continuous dorsal, caudal, and anal fins forming a single fringe around the posterior body, and the absence of pelvic fins, are key features.

3. 3

   Coloration

   Yellow eels have a distinct yellowish belly, while silver eels are characterized by their silvery flanks and enlarged eyes.

4. 4

   Scales

   While present, the scales are very small and deeply embedded in the skin, making the eel appear scaleless to the touch.

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