marais - Discover fishes living in these biotopes

The European eel, A. anguilla, is a freshwater fish native to Europe. Abundant until the 1980s, it has been severely affected by overfishing. It is considered a critically endangered species in France and several neighboring countries.

In captivity, it is best to keep it in a group of at least 5 people. It rarely breeds in aquariums, It is why we take significant amounts from the wild to supply the aquarium trade.

It has a brighter color than the female. In breeding season, it builds a bubble nest. After courtship and spawning, it collects and keeps the eggs in the nest until hatching. The males are so aggressive towards one another that in the Far East, fights are organized.

The female has a broader abdomen than the male. To escape predators, it can make impressive leaps out of the water and "fly" by using its pectoral fins. That is why it is recommended to keep it in a covered aquarium.

It owes its name to the small black spots that spread throughout it body. Small barbs located around its mouth enable it to search for food in the sand or mud. It easily acclimate to an aquarium.