You may think it is a snake because of the narrow snake-like body, however, the American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is no snake as it lacks a tail but possesses a continuous tail fin (joined dorsal, caudal, and tail fin). As a catadromous fish, life for the American eel begins offshore and ends offshore after spawning. The fish fit into the family Anguillidae, choosing the fresh and brackish water of the Eastern coast of North America. This nocturnal scavenger loves to hole up in mud and gravel during the day and is separated from other eels by heavy lips, longer lower jaw, absent pelvic fins, and a long dorsal fin starting at its middle to its posterior.