American eel

American eel, Anguilla rostrata, freshwater eel, migratory species, catadromous, life cycle, elvers, yellow eel, silver eel, fisheries, conservation.

Description:
The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is a fascinating species of freshwater eel found in rivers, lakes, and estuaries along the eastern coast of North America. Known for its unique life cycle, the American eel is catadromous, meaning it migrates from freshwater to the ocean to spawn. The eel begins its life as a transparent leaf-shaped larva called a leptocephalus and then transforms into glass eels or elvers, which swim upstream into freshwater habitats. Over time, the elvers develop into yellow eels, adapting to their surroundings. Eventually, as they reach sexual maturity, they undergo further changes and become silver eels, ready to embark on their long migration back to the ocean to reproduce.

The American eel plays a significant ecological and cultural role in many communities. It serves as an important food source for various species and supports local fisheries. However, the population of American eels has faced significant declines due to overfishing, habitat loss, and barriers to migration such as dams. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore eel populations, including the implementation of fishing regulations and the construction of fish passages to aid their migrations.