American eel (Anguilla rostrata)The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is found in habitats along the coast of eastern North America.
eel, Any of more than 800 fish species (order Anguilliformes) that are slender, elongated, and usually scaleless, with long dorsal and anal fins that are continuous around the tail tip. Eels are found in all seas, from coastal regions to the mid-depths. Freshwater eels are active predaceous fish with small embedded scales. They grow to maturity in fresh water and return to the sea, where they spawn and die. The transparent young drift to the coast and make their way upstream. Freshwater eels, considered valuable food fish, include species ranging from 4 in. (10 cm) to about 11.5 ft (3.5 m) long. See also moray.