Depth
Anguilla · Bony Fish

European Eel

Anguilla anguilla

0-700m
Depth Range
130cm
Max Size
Mediterranean
Distribution
0-700m
Depth Range
130cm
Max Size
Coastal/Estuarine
Habitat
Carnivore
Diet
Solitary
Social
CR
IUCN Status
Rare
Sighting Likelihood
Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Actinopterygii
Genus Anguilla
Species anguilla

Bony Fish

Identification & Biology

  • IdentificationVery elongated, snake-like body with a continuous dorsal-anal fin running from mid-back to the tail. Yellow-brown body in the growth phase (yellow eel), becoming silver with enlarged eyes before migration (silver eel). Small pectoral fins.
  • SizeUp to 133 cm total length, females larger than males. Males rarely exceed 50 cm.
  • Social HabitSolitary during its growth phase in Mediterranean waters. Migrates en masse to the Sargasso Sea to spawn.
  • HabitatRivers, lagoons, estuaries, and coastal marine waters during the growth phase. Tolerates fresh, brackish, and salt water.
  • Depth0 to 700 m. Coastal in growth phase, deep oceanic during spawning migration.
  • Feeds OnFish, crustaceans, worms, and insect larvae. A nocturnal, opportunistic feeder.
  • DistributionEastern Atlantic from Scandinavia to North Africa, including all Mediterranean freshwater and coastal systems. Spawns only in the Sargasso Sea.
  • DescriptionOne of the most remarkable migratory fish on Earth. European eels hatch in the Sargasso Sea and drift as larvae across the Atlantic for up to three years before arriving in European and Mediterranean waters. After growing for 5 to 20 years, they undergo a dramatic transformation and swim back across the ocean to spawn and die. Critically endangered due to overfishing, habitat loss, and barriers to migration.

Range

Habitat & Distribution

A catadromous species found in an extraordinary range of habitats, from freshwater rivers and lagoons to coastal marine environments across the Mediterranean and Atlantic. Adults migrate to the deep ocean to spawn.

Where Malta divers have spotted this species

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Sightings are logged by divers using our What Did You See? dive-log tool. View the full live sightings map.

Detail

Preferred Environment

Encountered in rocky crevices, seagrass beds, and muddy or sandy bottoms in coastal waters. Juveniles (elvers) are found in estuaries and freshwater. Nocturnal and secretive by nature.

Encounter Tips

Best approached slowly and calmly. Avoid casting shadows directly over the animal. Neutral buoyancy and patience increase encounter success significantly.

European Eel species card

Biology

Behaviour & Diet

Feeding Strategy

An opportunistic nocturnal predator that feeds on small fish, crustaceans, worms, and molluscs. Hunts primarily using its acute sense of smell.

Nocturnal predator

Reproduction

Breeds only once in its lifetime during a long-distance migration to the Sargasso Sea. After spawning, adults die. Larvae drift back to Europe over 1-3 years.

Catadromous

Behaviour & Defence

Hides in crevices and burrows during the day. Its slippery, mucus-coated skin makes it difficult for predators to grasp.

Cryptic & evasive

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Where to Encounter in Malta

Dive sites where Anguilla anguilla may be encountered will be added as sighting data is collected.

IUCN Red List Critically Endangered

Conservation Status

This species is assessed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Mediterranean populations face ongoing pressure from fishing activity, habitat degradation, and climate-driven changes.

Source: IUCN Red List
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