Eel coloring pages

This species of fish is found in rivers and lakes almost all over Europe. It is most fond of places that are overgrown with plants and have a muddy bottom. It often hides among underwater trees, which are lying on the bottom. Its length reaches up to 200 cm and what is interesting it can weigh up to ten kilograms.

Information

1. Appearance and Construction: Eels have an elongated body covered with slippery skin. Their color can range from dark brown to black. A distinctive feature of eels is the absence of a dorsal fin, and the tail is fused to the anal fin.
2. Life Cycle: Eels undergo a long migration to reproduce. Adults move to the sea, where they spawn and then die. Young eels, called sprats, return to rivers and lakes where they grow and mature.
3. Environment of Eels: Eels inhabit fresh waters such as rivers, lakes and marshes, but spend most of their life cycle in the seas. They are fish that are well adapted to moving between salt and fresh water.
4. Diet: Eels are predators that feed on small fish, crustaceans and other aquatic organisms. Their flexible bodies allow them to penetrate crevices and hiding places where their prey is found.
5. European and American Eel: There are two main species of eels: the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and the American eel (Anguilla rostrata). Both species have similar life cycles and behaviors.
6. Threats: Eels face many threats, such as habitat loss, water pollution, climate change and overfishing. Some eel populations have been drastically reduced.
7. Culinary: Eels are prized culinary fish. Their meat is tender and has a tasty flavor. Eels are often prepared in various ways, such as smoking, frying or boiling.
8. Symbolism and Folklore: Eels have sometimes been endowed with mystical or symbolic meanings in various cultures. In some communities, they were seen as magical or luck-bringing beings.
9. Scientific Research: The life cycle of the eel remains one of nature's greatest mysteries. Despite many studies, many aspects of their migration and reproduction remain unknown.
10. Conservation and Restoration: Due to the threat to eel populations, various activities are being carried out to protect these fish and support their restoration in natural habitats.

Trivia

1. Long Migration: Eels make one of the longest known migrations in the animal world. After spawning in the Sargasso Sea in the Atlantic Ocean, young eels begin their journey back to fresh waters, including rivers in Europe and North America.
2. Immortality?: There is a belief that eels are immortal because they have allegedly been observed continuing to grow even after reaching sexual maturity. However, in reality, eels have a limited lifespan and die after reproduction.
3. The secret of reproduction: Although scientists have gained some knowledge about eel reproduction, where they spawn in the Sargasso Sea remains a mystery. Until recently, no one had observed eels spawning there.
4. The Male-Female Dilemma: Eels undergo significant changes during their migration to the Sargasso Sea. At first, migrating individuals are usually female, but as they approach their destination, their sex changes to male.
5. Difficult to Domesticate: Eels are not easy fish to breed under artificial conditions. Many scientists are working to domesticate these fish, but the process is complicated by their specific needs.
6. Delicate Taste: Eel meat is prized for its delicate flavor and softness. It is considered exceptionally tasty in many cuisines and is served in a variety of ways, from frying to smoking.
7. Threats to the Population: Eels face many threats, including habitat loss, water pollution, climate change and overfishing. Their populations are declining worldwide.
8. Eels In Literature.: Eels often appear in the literature and mythology of various cultures. In some cases, they are symbols of mystery or magical powers.
9. Mysterious Charm: Due to their mysterious nature, eels have fascinated scientists, researchers and nature lovers for centuries.
10. Protection of the European Eel: The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is threatened with extinction and is protected at the European level. Various programs and initiatives are being introduced to safeguard eel populations.