• During their migration to the Sargasso Sea, eels don’t eat. They rely on their fat reserves to fuel the long journey.
• Female eels release between 20 and 30 million eggs once the reach the Sargasso Sea.
• Eels have weak jaws. To break food up into smaller pieces, they hold the food in their mouths and spin their bodies. They have been recorded to spin 6-14 times per second.
• One of the reasons eels have slime: aerodynamics. The slime reduces the amount of drag working against the eel.
• Eels can move across land to get around barriers in a stream.
• “Slippery as an eel” is not just a figure of speech. Eels have a layer of mucous covering their entire body which makes them extremely difficult to capture by hand.
• American Eels are nocturnal and during the day will hide under rocks.
• The male American Eel grows to about 2 feet long, while the female can grow to 3-5 feet long.
• Freshly caught eels are often kept in live boxes to get rid of any muddy flavor.
• Eels prefer to travel during dark and stormy nights.
• Hancock, NY is known as “The Gateway to the Delaware River.”
• Eels can swim backward and forward.
Eels - Did you know?
Can you swim backwards? Eels can. Watch The Eel King on Filthy Riches.
Related News
Top Videos
Newsletter
Never miss a Nat Geo moment
National Geographic explores the people, places and events of our world.
National Geographic showcases leading explorers, scientists, environmentalists, film makers and renowned photographers.
Member Sign In
Set Reminder
Join Us!
Join our curious community and you'll have access to some great features!
Personalised content reflecting your interests on the site
Watch exclusive videos before anyone else
Favourite content that you like or want to check out later
Free SMS and Email reminders so you never miss a show
Get notified when content that interests you is published
Share your photos on Snap! that could appear on TV
Share your thoughts and opinions on various matters
Receive a monthly newsletter with loads of great content
Discuss this article