Featured Image Credit: Pinterest
Eels are one of the most unique, and creepiest, creatures under the sea, but how much do you really know about them?
Let’s find out as we examine these 9 slithery facts about eels:
1. Eels are covered with slimy mucus.
Image Credit: Andy Martinez/Animalia-life.com
It allows the eels to slither around reefs without getting scratched.
2. Eels have horrible eyesight.
Image Credit: Scubafish.com
As a result, eels sometimes unintentionally bite the fingers of divers who give them food.
P.S. I’m not sure that I’d be brave enough to get close enough to find out.
3. Eels weigh between 95 gm to 215 gm.
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Actually… that’s roughly between 0.2 and 0.47 pounds. You’re welcome.
4. Eels can measure between 5 to 13 feet in length.
Image Credit: Animalia-life.com
Wow. Even the shortest of eels are stiller taller than Snooki. How bout that?
5. Eels can swim backwards and forwards.
Image Credit: Conservationfund.org
Even though they hang out in shallow water pits, they can travel on land for short distances.
6. An eel can live for up to 85 years.
Image Credit: Wikipedia
I’m sure this eel has seen at lot over the decades. NEW SAYING ALERT: As wise an eel.
7. Eels feed at night and rest during the day.
Image Credit: Wikipedia.org
That sounds awesome, actually. Sign me up.
8. Eels are carnivores.
Image Credit: Animalia-life.com
Eels are known to eat lobsters, fish, octopus, crabs, mussels, snails, and frogs. Bon appétit!
9. A baby eel is called an elver.
Image Credit: Wikipedia
Kudos to whoever coined that clever name!
There are about 800 species of eels and most of them are predators. The Electric Eel and Spiny Eel are NOT members of the Eel family, but the name is shared due to their body shape. The European Eel is currently listed as a critically endangered species.