VIMS August Discovery Lab Series: Eels

Did you know that electric eels are not true eels, but rather a type of knifefish?

True eels are a group of fishes with long, snake-like bodies that are often confused with their electric cousins. There are almost 800 species of eels around the world. They can range in length from 2 inches to nearly 13 feet! The most common species of eel found in this region is the American eel. American eels have a fascinating life cycle, and are very important in the Bay ecosystem as both a predator and prey.

Come learn more about these misunderstood creatures and why they are important not only to our local region but around the world!