Indian mottled eel
📖 Overview
Lives in freshwaters, but also occurs in estuaries and in the sea during early life and near maturity . Occurs in freshwater streams, pools and reservoirs and commonly found in mud substrates of tanks and in deep rock pools of rivers . Most common eel in Indian inland waters. There exists a good export market for both live elvers and eels. Highly prized as food fish because of its nutritional value. Fish mucous from live fish mixed with rice or wheat flour is used as medicine for arthritis .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 250 - 305; Anal soft rays: 220 - 250; Vertebrae: 106 - 112. Body elongate, head conical, flattened dorsally. Mouth terminal, lips prominent, narrow bands of teeth on jaws, broad band on vomer.: eel-like.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Indian mottled eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
Semelparous.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Marine; freshwater; brackish; benthopelagic; catadromous . Tropical; 23°N - 33°S East Indies.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🎣 Angling Guide
- medium-heavy 7ft spinning rod
- 30-50 lb braid
- fluorocarbon leader
- grass flats
- oyster bars
- marsh drains
- deeper channel edges
Use barbless hooks, minimise air exposure, and revive fish head-first in current before release.
⚠️ Slot limits protect breeding-size fish. Verify daily bag limits.
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Indian mottled eel is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 18.2 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 246 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Indian mottled eel has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anguilla arracana | McClelland | 1844 | Synonym |
| Anguilla bengalensis bengalensis | - | - | Synonym |
| Anguilla brevirostris | McClelland | 1844 | Synonym |
| Anguilla elphinstonei | Sykes | 1839 | Synonym |
| Anguilla variegata | McClelland | 1844 | Synonym |
| Muraena bengalensis | Gray | 1831 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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