Freshwater Eel Still Exist in Ohio

Photo byNatalia GusakovaonUnsplash

CLEVELAND, OH - The American eel (Anguilla rostrata), a state-threatened species, is a unique and fascinating inhabitant of Ohio’s waterways.

As the only freshwater eel native to North America, it can be found in various Ohio streams and Lake Erie, though its home range spans much of the eastern United States.

According to Ohio State University, these nocturnal creatures prefer large rivers with continuous flow, hiding in deep pools during the day and emerging at night to feed on aquatic invertebrates and fish.

According to Ohio State University, American eels have a long, cylindrical, snake-like body with a dorsal fin running along their length and short, round pectoral fins. Adults can vary in color, typically brown with yellow sides, and change to a black and silver or bronze hue during their reproductive phase.

Females can reach up to 36 inches, while males are smaller, averaging around 18 inches.

The life cycle of the American eel is remarkable. These catadromous species spawn in the saltwater of the Sargasso Sea, a warm region in the southeast Atlantic Ocean. After spawning, the adult eels die, and their larvae drift on ocean currents for about 12 months before migrating back to North America, according to Ohio State University.

They spend up to 20 years in freshwater before making the journey back to the ocean to spawn.

Unfortunately, the American eel population is declining due to several human-made obstacles. Dams and barriers in rivers prevent eels from migrating upstream or downstream, often blocking their path to the Sargasso Sea.

These obstacles also cause habitat loss, making eels more vulnerable to predators.

Additionally, American eels are highly susceptible to low water quality, and habitat degradation has further contributed to their decline. Overfishing, especially of juveniles, has also negatively impacted their numbers.

Conserving the American eel is crucial to prevent their extinction. These eels are a treasure to Ohio’s waterways, and protecting their habitat is essential to ensure that future generations can appreciate this unique species.