American Eel

American Eel Anguilla rostrata

Identification
This eel has a long snake like body and smooth skin.

Location
Rare in Ohio

Size
1 to 3 feet

Diet
It feeds on fish insects and crustaceans.

Habitat
It occurs in rivers and Lake Erie.

Activity Period
Year round

Behavior
It migrates to the ocean to spawn. It is active year round.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in the Sargasso Sea.

Population
The population is small and vulnerable.

History
It has declined due to dams.

Human Interactions
It rarely interacts with humans.

Facts
It has one of the longest migrations of any fish.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Fish insects crustaceans | Rivers lakes Lake Erie | Statewide but rare