Family: Anguillidae, Freshwater Eels view all from this family

Description To 4'11" (1.5 m). Elongate, snakelike, circular in cross section anteriorly, compressed posteriorly. Color variable depending on habitat and age, usually dark brown or greenish above, fading to yellowish-white on belly. Head large, about one-eighth of length; mouth terminal, nearly horizontal, lower jaw projects slightly. Pectoral fins well developed; dorsal fin origin far behind pectoral fins; anal fin origin behind dorsal fin origin, both fins continuous with caudal fin. Scales small, elliptical, deeply embedded in skin.

Habitat Brackish or fresh water, except when migrating and spawning at sea.

Range Along coast and to headwaters of associated rivers from Labrador south to Guyana, including Gulf of Mexico, Antilles, and Caribbean.

Discussion Eels are eaten fresh and smoked, and elvers (young eels) are exported to Europe and Japan for use in aquaculture.