Eels | Anguilliformes

Eels are usually bony fish or ray-finned fish grouped under order Anguilliformes. These animals are nocturnal, predators, migrate, and most species lack scales. Eels are elongated fish that lack the pelvic and pectoral fins with the dorsal and anal fins fused to form a single ribbon that runs along the entire length of the body of the animal. The Eel can swim forward and backward and you will spot them living in shallow waters of both fresh and salty water, burrowing into the sand, rocks, and mud. They too are a wonderful source of food.

Where do eels live?

Eels live in both freshwater and saltwater bodies of water, but the majority of the species typically live at sea. The habitat of eels generally consists of shallow waters as they prefer to burrow into the sand, mud, or rocks. Some species of eels are more at home within the continental shelves.

What do eels eat?

Typically, eels eat a variety of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks. Eels generally follow a carnivorous diet. Eels can eat almost any marine creature that is smaller than they are thus creating a diverse diet. The diet of eels is made up of sea urchins, crabs, shrimp, lobsters, frogs, krill, worms, and clams.

How do eels reproduce?

Eels reproduce through the process of external fertilization as the female eel release millions of eggs into the water to be fertilized by the male’s sperm. Eels, unfortunately, die after the reproduction and mating process. The reproduction process of eels has been considered a mystery for years.

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
1.2”-2.4” | 3-6 cm
20”-40” | 51-102 cm
13-17 lb | 6-7.7 kg
15-40 years
American Eel
6.000
102.000
7.700
40.00
10000
GUIDE
3D
American Eel
3.1”-4.7” | 8-12 cm
60”-84” | 1.52-2.13 m
6.6-55 lb | 3-25 kg
15-20 years
European Conger
12.000
213.000
25.000
20.00
1150
GUIDE
3D
European Conger
1.6”-2.75” | 4-7 cm
24”-39” | 61-99 cm
3-8 lb | 1.4-3.6 kg
15-20 years
European Eel
7.000
99.000
3.600
20.00
9500
GUIDE
3D
European Eel
2.4”-3.1” | 6-8 cm
31”-37” | 79-94 cm
2.2-4.4 lb | 1-2 kg
10-30 years
Fimbriated Moray
8.000
94.000
2.000
30.00
140
GUIDE
3D
Fimbriated Moray
5.9”-8.7” | 15-22 cm
5.92’-9.83’ | 1.8-3 m
66-79 lb | 30-36 kg
10-30 years
Giant Moray
22.000
300.000
36.000
30.00
1900
GUIDE
3D
Giant Moray
3.5”-5.1” | 9-13 cm
59”-79” | 1.5-2 m
44-62 lb | 20-28 kg
20-40 years
Giant Mottled Eel
13.000
200.000
28.000
40.00
1050
GUIDE
3D
Giant Mottled Eel
3.1”-4.7” | 8-12 cm
39”-51” | 99-130 cm
6.6-8.8 lb | 3-4 kg
15-20 years
Japanese Eel
12.000
130.000
4.000
20.00
7800
GUIDE
3D
Japanese Eel
2.4”-3.1” | 6-8 cm
11.5’-13.1’ | 3.5-4 m
29-60 lb | 13-27 kg
10-40 years
Slender Giant Moray
8.000
400.000
27.000
40.00
90
GUIDE
3D
Slender Giant Moray
1”-1.6” | 2.5-4 cm
51”-79” | 1.3-2 m
.4-.5 lb | .17-.23 kg
7-10 years
Slender Snipe Eel
4.000
200.000
0.230
10.00
450
GUIDE
3D
Slender Snipe Eel
2”-3.1” | 5-8 cm
24”-36” | 61-91 cm
15-30 years
Snowflake Moray
8.000
91.000
30.00
1150
GUIDE
3D
Snowflake Moray
.3”-.4” | .75-1 cm
4”-4.5” | 10.2-11.4 cm
10-30 years
Snyder’s Moray
1.000
11.400
30.00
15
GUIDE
3D
Snyder’s Moray
1.2”-3.5” | 3-9 cm
20”-59” | 51-150 cm
10-20 years
Zebra Moray
9.000
150.000
20.00
1100
GUIDE
3D
Zebra Moray
Zebra Moray (Gymnomuraena zebra)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Zebra Moray compared to an average person and other eels

The heavily banded dark and white color gives the Zebra moray (Gymnomuraena zebra) a ‘zebra' motif. Aside from being prevalent throughout Indo-Pacific zones, it is also fit for community fish tanks as it no threat to aquarists and other tank dwellers. The Zebra Moray belongs to the family Muraenidae and possesses an elliptical but short snout, a flat and plate-like dental formula for crushing hard shells unlike for other morays that are pointed. Like most morays, it loves rocks and coral reefs of shallow water, nocturnal, shy, and reclusive predators compared to other morays and rarely aggressive unless bullied.

Zebra Morays have a total length between 20”-59” (51-150 cm) and body height of 1.2”-3.5” (3-9 cm). Zebra Morays have lifespans between 10-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Zebra Moray
The heavily banded dark and white color gives the Zebra moray (Gymnomuraena zebra) a ‘zebra' motif. Aside from being prevalent throughout Indo-Pacific zones, it is also fit for community fish tanks as it no threat to aquarists and other tank dwellers. Zebra Morays belong to the family Muraenidae.

Zebra Morays have a total length between 20”-59” (51-150 cm) and body height of 1.2”-3.5” (3-9 cm). Zebra Morays have lifespans between 10-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Zebra Moray
Zebra Moray (Gymnomuraena zebra)
Height:
1.2”-3.5” | 3-9 cm
Width:
Length:
20”-59” | 51-150 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Gymnomuraena zebra
Lifespan
10-20 years

Drawings include:

Zebra Moray side elevation, side (perspective), front, top

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Snowflake Moray (Echidna nebulosa)
Scale illustration of an average Snowflake Moray compared to a human and other eel species

If you are looking for an eel or moray for your tank, then the snowflake moray (Echidna nebulosa) is your best bet. Its name comes from the snowflake pattern all over its body. Aquarists love the snowflake moray because of its rather modest size, pleasant looks, and docile nature compared to larger moray eels. The snowflake moray is also called clouded moray, starry moray eel, or floral moray eel with a thick neck emerging from the second set of jaws in their throat called pharyngeal jaws. They are grouped under the family Muraenidae and settled in Indo-Pacific regions and are the only fish using pharyngeal jaws to catch prey.

Snowflake Morays have a total length between 24”-36” (61-91 cm) and body height of 2”-3.1” (5-8 cm). Snowflake Morays have lifespans between 15-30 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Snowflake Moray
If you are looking for an eel or moray for your tank, then the snowflake moray (Echidna nebulosa) is your best bet. Its name comes from the snowflake pattern all over its body. Aquarists love the snowflake moray because of its rather modest size, pleasant looks, and docile nature.

Snowflake Morays have a total length between 24”-36” (61-91 cm) and body height of 2”-3.1” (5-8 cm). Snowflake Morays have lifespans between 15-30 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Snowflake Moray
Snowflake Moray (Echidna nebulosa)
Height:
2”-3.1” | 5-8 cm
Width:
Length:
24”-36” | 61-91 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Echidna nebulosa
Lifespan
15-30 years

Drawings include:

Snowflake Moray side elevation, side (perspective), front, top

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the European Eel compared to an average person and other eels

The European eel (Anguilla Anguilla) may be the only nomadic fish among the eel because of the tremendous trip it makes from Europe to Bermuda to spawn. Not only that, but it also shows different life stages: glass eel, Elver, Yellow eel, and Silver eel, each taking place in varied habitats. Like other eels, it possesses a snake-like body, one pair of small pectoral fin, secretive and nocturnal, preferring under rocks, and burrowing into the mud. This catadromous fish belongs to the family Anguillidae, native to the European coast from Russia to Morocco, and is a well-known powerful swimmer and climber.

European Eels have a total length between 24”-39” (61-99 cm) and body height of 1.6”-2.75” (4-7 cm). The typical weight of the European Eel is in the range of 3-8 lb (1.4-3.6 kg). European Eels have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the European Eel
The European eel (Anguilla Anguilla) may be the only nomadic fish among the eel because of the tremendous trip it makes from Europe to Bermuda to spawn. Not only that, but it also shows different life stages: glass eel, Elver, Yellow eel, and Silver eel, each taking place in varied habitats.

European Eels have a total length between 24”-39” (61-99 cm) and body height of 1.6”-2.75” (4-7 cm). The typical weight of the European Eel is in the range of 3-8 lb (1.4-3.6 kg). European Eels have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the European Eel
European Eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Height:
1.6”-2.75” | 4-7 cm
Width:
Length:
24”-39” | 61-99 cm
Depth:
Weight:
3-8 lb | 1.4-3.6 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Anguilla anguilla
Lifespan
15-20 years

Drawings include:

European Eel side elevation, side (perspective), front, top

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Giant Mottled Eel (Anguilla marmorata)
Scale illustration of an average Giant Mottled Eel compared to a human and other eel species

The Giant Mottled eel (Anguilla marmorata) is not just the most widely distributed of the eel but also among the largest species. It is also called marbled eel and belongs to the family Anguillidae. The giant mottled is national to Indo-Pacific and adjacent freshwater environments. Like most eels, it is catadromous and distinguished from other eels by its mottled complexion, teeth patterns, and long dorsal fin. A protruding lower jaw, well-developed pectoral fins, and cylindrical body enable the fish to live at the belly of fresh and brackish water. Interestingly, its sex glands do not grow in freshwater but as they move to river mouths.

Giant Mottled Eels have a total length between 59”-79” (1.5-2 m) and body height of 3.5”-5.1” (9-13 cm). The typical weight of the Giant Mottled Eel is in the range of 44-62 lb (20-28 kg). Giant Mottled Eels have lifespans between 20-40 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Giant Mottled Eel
The Giant Mottled eel (Anguilla marmorata) is not just the most widely distributed of the eel but also among the largest species. It is also called marbled eel and belongs to the family Anguillidae. The giant mottled is national to Indo-Pacific and adjacent freshwater environments.

Giant Mottled Eels have a total length between 59”-79” (1.5-2 m) and body height of 3.5”-5.1” (9-13 cm). The typical weight of the Giant Mottled Eel is in the range of 44-62 lb (20-28 kg). Giant Mottled Eels have lifespans between 20-40 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Giant Mottled Eel
Giant Mottled Eel (Anguilla marmorata)
Height:
3.5”-5.1” | 9-13 cm
Width:
Length:
59”-79” | 1.5-2 m
Depth:
Weight:
44-62 lb | 20-28 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Anguilla marmorata
Lifespan
20-40 years

Drawings include:

Giant Mottled Eel side elevation, side (perspective), front, top

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Giant Moray (Gymnothorax javanicus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Giant Moray to other eels and a typical person

The Giant moray (Gymnothorax javanicus) compliments the roving coral grouper by participating in cooperative hunting. Adult giant moray spot leopard-related spots behind the head. This is the largest moray in terms of body mass, having its elongated body in a brown hue. Interestingly, the heavy body set does not inhibit its flexibility and ease of movement. The fish fit into the family Muraenidae, preferring coral shoals of Indo-Pacific zones. It possesses a pleasant sense of smell but poor eyesight. The fish travels several miles to breed and during this stage, it uses its accumulated body fat and muscle tissues instead of feeding.

Giant Morays have a total length between 5.92’-9.83’ (1.8-3 m) and body height of 5.9”-8.7” (15-22 cm). The typical weight of the Giant Moray is in the range of 66-79 lb (30-36 kg). Giant Morays have lifespans between 10-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Giant Moray in various poses
The Giant moray (Gymnothorax javanicus) compliments the roving coral grouper by participating in cooperative hunting. Adult giant moray spot leopard-related spots behind the head. This is the largest moray in terms of body mass, having its elongated body in a brown hue.

Giant Morays have a total length between 5.92’-9.83’ (1.8-3 m) and body height of 5.9”-8.7” (15-22 cm). The typical weight of the Giant Moray is in the range of 66-79 lb (30-36 kg). Giant Morays have lifespans between 10-30 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Giant Moray in various poses
Giant Moray (Gymnothorax javanicus)
Height:
5.9”-8.7” | 15-22 cm
Width:
Length:
5.92’-9.83’ | 1.8-3 m
Depth:
Weight:
66-79 lb | 30-36 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Gymnothorax javanicus
Lifespan
10-30 years

Drawings include:

Giant Moray side elevation, side (perspective), front, top

Details & Downloads

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Related Animals Collections
Animals