Cara Mengidentifikasi European Eel

Untuk mengidentifikasi European Eel (Anguilla anguilla), perhatikan ciri-ciri utama berikut.

Ciri Fisik

Bentuk tubuh

eel-like

Warna

Highly variable depending on life stage and environment. Glass eels are transparent. Elvers are dark brown to black. Yellow eels (juvenile/sub-adult) have a yellowish-brown to olive-green back and sides, with a pale yellow or white belly. Silver eels (pre-spawning adults) develop a silvery-white belly, dark back, enlarged eyes, and thickened skin.

Jenis sisik

cycloid

Posisi mulut

terminal

Ciri khas

Elongated, snake-like body, Small, gill-like pectoral fins, Continuous dorsal, caudal, and anal fins forming a single fringe around the posterior body, Small, embedded scales (often not visible to the naked eye), Protruding lower jaw

Sirip punggung

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

Sirip ekor

Rounded, confluent with dorsal and anal fins.

Sirip dada

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

Sirip khas

Absence of pelvic fins. The dorsal, caudal, and anal fins form a single, continuous fin fold.

Tips Identifikasi

1. 1

   Body Shape

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

2. 2

   Fin Structure

   The continuous dorsal, caudal, and anal fin, forming a single fringe around the tail, is characteristic. Absence of pelvic fins.

3. 3

   Pectoral Fins

   Presence of small, rounded pectoral fins just behind the head, distinguishing it from lampreys which lack paired fins.

4. 4

   Lower Jaw

   The lower jaw typically protrudes slightly beyond the upper jaw.

5. 5

   Coloration (Life Stage)

   Observe coloration: transparent (glass eel), dark (elver), yellowish-brown (yellow eel), or silvery (silver eel) to determine life stage.

Jelajahi European Eel