Scientific Name
Anguilla rostrata
Other Names
Freshwater eel, glass eel, river eel
Description
American eel have a slender, snakelike body with very small scales. A long dorsal fin extends more than two-thirds of the body length and is continuous with the tail; pelvic fins are absent. There are numerous small, sharp teeth in the jaws. Their back may be olive-green to brown, shading to greenish-yellow on the sides, and light gray or white on the belly. American eels in Mississippi range from 10 to 29 inches in length and weigh 0.5 pounds.
Habits and Habitat
The American eel is widespread throughout Mississippi and occur in a variety of habitats. They tend to hide under rocks during the day, and venture out only at night to feed. They feed on animal matter such as fish, crayfish, and insects.
State Record
The state record of 5.06 pounds was caught in the Mississippi River by Mitch McClendon in 1994.
Fishing Fact
American eels spend most of their lives in freshwater; however, at some point, adults travel toward the Sargasso Sea, a tropical area northeast of Cuba, to spawn. Spawning occurs during the winter. Eels are usually caught by anglers fishing for something else. They are very slimy and difficult to handle.