Where Does Japanese eel Live?

Japanese eel lives in specific habitats. Knowing where to look helps you find and identify it.

Where to find Japanese eel

Water type

freshwater

Depth

Typically found in shallow to moderate depths in rivers, lakes, and estuaries, but spawns in deep oceanic waters (around 200-400 meters).

Environment

Rivers, lakes, estuaries, coastal waters, and deep oceanic spawning grounds. Prefers muddy or sandy bottoms with ample cover.

Geographic range

Western North Pacific Ocean, including Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Spawning grounds are believed to be in the Seamount Chain region west of the Mariana Islands.

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