American Eel

The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is a facultative catadromous eel found on the eastern coast of North America. Freshwater eels are fish belonging to the elopomorph superorder, a group of phylogenetically ancient teleosts. The American eel has a slender, supple, snake-like body that is covered with a mucus layer, which makes the eel appear to be naked and slimy despite the presence of minute scales. A long dorsal fin runs from the middle of the back and is continuous with a similar ventral fin. Pelvic fins are absent, and relatively small pectoral fins can be found near the midline, followed by the head and gill covers.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it venomous or poisonous?

We have no record of American Eel being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

• Anguilla anguilla
• Anguilla japonica
• Anguilla mossambica
• Ophichthus gomesii
• Myrophis punctatus
• Monopterus albus

Classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Actinopterygii

Order

Anguilliformes

Family

Anguillidae

Genus

Anguilla

Species

Anguilla rostrata

More species