Anguilla japonica

Anguillidae

WWF HK status

Japanese eel

日本鰻鱺

Size

Typically, 10 – 100cm encountered in Hong Kong, up to 150cm.

Identification

Elongated body with scales embedded under skin resulting in a smooth and ‘slippery’ surface. Dorsal and anal fins conform as a single fin flowing along the belly, tail, and back. Dorsal side tends to be grey-brown in colour with a pale white belly.

Description

Catadromous species, with juveniles entering small streams and large rivers to grow before returning to marine waters for reproduction. Usually found in the lower reaches and estuaries and rarely overlaps with Anguilla marmorata, which usually resides in hill streams. It is a popular Chinese and Japanese delicacy and has often been poached.