Eels | Anguilliformes

Eels | Anguilliformes

Description
Description

Eels, belonging to the order Anguilliformes, are a diverse group of elongated, serpentine fish found in both freshwater and marine environments across the globe. With a lineage dating back over 100 million years, they have evolved a variety of adaptations suited to their habitats, ranging from the deep sea to tropical coral reefs and murky riverbeds. Eels possess a slippery, scaleless skin and a dorsal fin that runs the length of their bodies, aiding in their sinuous swimming style. Fascinatingly, many species undertake extensive migrations for breeding, with the European eel's epic journey to the Sargasso Sea being one of nature's great mysteries.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Eels have long, slender bodies that resemble a snake, allowing them to navigate through water and tight spaces with ease. They lack pelvic fins and most species also lack pectoral fins, contributing to their streamlined shape. Their skin is smooth and often covered in a slimy mucus which protects them and facilitates swift movement. Eels breathe through gills and some species can absorb oxygen through their skin. While eels cannot "speak," they have well-developed senses, especially smell, which is crucial for finding food and navigating. Their movement is undulating and wave-like, powered by continuous dorsal, caudal, and anal fins.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

Eels have intrigued humans for centuries, often shrouded in mystery due to their secretive lives and dramatic migrations. Culturally, eels appear in folklore and mythologies worldwide, symbolizing transformation and adaptability. They've been a food source for many cultures, with delicacies like the Japanese unagi. Eels have also captured the public imagination through appearances in films like "The Little Mermaid," representing both the enigmatic and eerie aspects of marine life.

Conservation efforts are gaining momentum as several eel species face threats from overfishing, habitat loss, and pollution. Initiatives now aim to protect their habitats and regulate fishing to ensure these fascinating creatures continue to thrive.

Common Questions
Common Questions
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.

Animals

* Under Development *

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
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

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

European Conger (Conger conger)
Comparison illustration of the size of a European Conger to other eels and a typical person

The largest eel on the planet, the European conger (Conger conger) reproduces once in its life. The European Conger is a nocturnal predator possessing a lengthy body without scales and is national to the European coastline, specifically Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea. Juveniles love coastal areas while adults prefer deeper waters. The European conger’s conical head, slightly reduced rounded snout and merged dorsal and anal fins enable it to hide effortlessly under rocks and cracks. The fish is a representative of the family Congridae and undergoes metamorphosis in its reproductive organs, skeleton mass, and teeth between the ages of 5 to 15 years.

European Congers have a total length between 60”-84” (1.52-2.13 m) and body height of 3.1”-4.7” (8-12 cm). The typical weight of the European Conger is in the range of 6.6-55 lb (3-25 kg). European Congers have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of European Conger in various poses
The largest eel on the planet, the European conger (Conger conger) reproduces once in its life. The European Conger is a nocturnal predator possessing a lengthy body without scales and is national to the European coastline, specifically Northeast Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea.

European Congers have a total length between 60”-84” (1.52-2.13 m) and body height of 3.1”-4.7” (8-12 cm). The typical weight of the European Conger is in the range of 6.6-55 lb (3-25 kg). European Congers have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of European Conger in various poses
European Conger (Conger conger)
Height:
3.1”-4.7” | 8-12 cm
Width:
Length:
60”-84” | 1.52-2.13 m
Depth:
Weight:
6.6-55 lb | 3-25 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Conger conger
Lifespan
15-20 years

Drawings include:

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

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Japanese Eel (Anguilla japonica)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Japanese Eel to other eels and a typical person

Also called Unagi in Japan, the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) is an essential food in East Asia to the degree of being bred in aquaculture. The fish fit into the family Anguillidae and stays in the surrounding freshwater of Korea, Japan, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, and even the Philippines but spawn in the sea. Juveniles are yellowish while adults silver. The Japanese eel is an elongated fatty fish, bold in flavor, and the few among unique vertebrates that produce fluorescent protein. Unfortunately, the Unagi has been red-listed as a threatened species because of overfishing and habitat damage.

Japanese Eels have a total length between 39”-51” (99-130 cm) and body height of 3.1”-4.7” (8-12 cm). The typical weight of the Japanese Eel is in the range of 6.6-8.8 lb (3-4 kg). Japanese Eels have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Japanese Eel in various poses
Also called Unagi in Japan, the Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) is an essential food in East Asia to the degree of being bred in aquaculture. The fish fit into the family Anguillidae and stays in the surrounding freshwater of Korea, Japan, Vietnam, China, Taiwan, and the Philippines.

Japanese Eels have a total length between 39”-51” (99-130 cm) and body height of 3.1”-4.7” (8-12 cm). The typical weight of the Japanese Eel is in the range of 6.6-8.8 lb (3-4 kg). Japanese Eels have lifespans between 15-20 years.

Scaled collection of drawings of Japanese Eel in various poses
Japanese Eel (Anguilla japonica)
Height:
3.1”-4.7” | 8-12 cm
Width:
Length:
39”-51” | 99-130 cm
Depth:
Weight:
6.6-8.8 lb | 3-4 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Anguilla japonica
Lifespan
15-20 years

Drawings include:

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

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads

Slender Giant Moray (Strophidon sathete)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Slender Giant Moray compared to an average person and other eels

The lengthiest of all morays, the slender giant moray (Strophidon sathete) has prehistoric looks, making it look like a sea monster. Besides, its pointed fangs shown when opening and closing its mouth make it intimidating. Its mouth is very large, body cylindrical on the anterior, and a homogeneous head and trunk. The slender giant moray falls into the family Muraenidae inhabiting benthic muddy habitats in rivers, bays, and waterways of the Red Sea, East Africa, and Indo-west Pacific Oceans. The slender giant moray is also called Gangetic moray, bearing a lengthened body with drab color on the dorsal and paler towards the middle.

Slender Giant Morays have a total length between 11.5’-13.1’ (3.5-4 m) and body height of 2.4”-3.1” (6-8 cm). The typical weight of the Slender Giant Moray is in the range of 29-60 lb (13-27 kg). Slender Giant Morays have lifespans between 10-40 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Slender Giant Moray
The lengthiest of all morays, the slender giant moray (Strophidon sathete) has prehistoric looks, making it look like a sea monster. Besides, its pointed fangs shown when opening and closing its mouth make it intimidating. Its mouth is very large, and its body cylindrical on the anterior.

Slender Giant Morays have a total length between 11.5’-13.1’ (3.5-4 m) and body height of 2.4”-3.1” (6-8 cm). The typical weight of the Slender Giant Moray is in the range of 29-60 lb (13-27 kg). Slender Giant Morays have lifespans between 10-40 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Slender Giant Moray
Slender Giant Moray (Strophidon sathete)
Height:
2.4”-3.1” | 6-8 cm
Width:
Length:
11.5’-13.1’ | 3.5-4 m
Depth:
Weight:
29-60 lb | 13-27 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Strophidon sathete
Lifespan
10-40 years

Drawings include:

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

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

Downloads

2D Downloads

3D Downloads