American Eel (Anguilla rostrata)

from $120.00
Quantity:

Live American Eel (Anguilla rostrata)
Please note this is a live science specimen.

The American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) is a fascinating catadromous fish species that migrates from the Sargasso Sea as larvae to freshwater rivers and estuaries along the U.S. East Coast. These eels undergo remarkable life stages—from transparent glass eels to yellow and silver phases—making them valuable subjects for studies in fish biology, physiology, and migration ecology. Collected by net along Maine’s coastal river mouths, these specimens are ideal for classroom study, research aquaria, and marine biology demonstrations. Sustainably collected by hand from the Gulf of Maine watershed.

Key Facts:
Common name: American eel
Scientific name:Anguilla rostrata
Locations: The Sargasso Sea as juveniles; U.S. East Coast river mouths as adults
Seasonality: Late March – Early June
Colors: Yellow, silver, black, bronze
Size: Up to 4’
Collected: Netting
Quantity: Sold singly or in bulk

Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected.

Live American Eel (Anguilla rostrata)
Please note this is a live science specimen.

The American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) is a fascinating catadromous fish species that migrates from the Sargasso Sea as larvae to freshwater rivers and estuaries along the U.S. East Coast. These eels undergo remarkable life stages—from transparent glass eels to yellow and silver phases—making them valuable subjects for studies in fish biology, physiology, and migration ecology. Collected by net along Maine’s coastal river mouths, these specimens are ideal for classroom study, research aquaria, and marine biology demonstrations. Sustainably collected by hand from the Gulf of Maine watershed.

Key Facts:
Common name: American eel
Scientific name:Anguilla rostrata
Locations: The Sargasso Sea as juveniles; U.S. East Coast river mouths as adults
Seasonality: Late March – Early June
Colors: Yellow, silver, black, bronze
Size: Up to 4’
Collected: Netting
Quantity: Sold singly or in bulk

Note: This is a live marine specimen. Natural variations in size, color, and appearance from photos should be expected.

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Tidepool Tim says, "Elver eels gained intense notoriety as a commercial fishery in Maine when their price per pound skyrocketed to around $3000. Despite all of the conversation about maintenance and regulation of the fishers, many aspects of the life of an America eel are quite mysterious. They spawn in the Sargasso Sea, which is an area defined by the movement borders of four currents in the North Atlantic Ocean. Water slows down and drops its contents in the Sargasso Sea, creating a prime environment for Sargasso seaweed to grow in large matted beds. This is where the eels start their lives.Juveniles are seen in the Sargasso Sea, and adults are seen running rivers of the U.S. East Coast. What goes on between those two points is the mystery.  Some scientists believe elvers use magneto-reception to guide their journey."

Elvers (American eels, Anguilla rostrata) in a bucket.

Elvers (American eels, Anguilla rostrata) in a bucket.