Species Guide

European Eel

Habitat

General Description

Size and Weight

Life Cycle

Catadromous migrator; adults spawn in the Sargasso Sea, while juveniles (glass eels) return to European rivers.

Adaptations

Highly tolerant to varying salinities and capable of surviving in low-quality waters.

Juveniles farming systems

Glass eels are captured in the wild and grown in ponds.

Grow-out farming systems

Primarily in freshwater or brackish ponds with controlled feeding.

Native to Europe and North Africa, including the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas.
Spain, Italy, France, Netherlands, Denmark.

Highly valued for its rich, flavorful meat, consumed fresh, smoked, or in traditional dishes.

By-products: Occasionally used to make pâtés and canned products.

Ideal for smoking, stewing, frying, or baking.