What Adaptations Do Eels Have

The almost 200 species of moray eel have many different adaptations, including a snake-like, streamlined body coated in mucus and no pectoral or pelvic fins. Their camouflaged coloring helps them blend in with their surroundings and ambush prey.

How do eels protect themselves?

The eels can also use the charge to protect themselves against predators, such as caiman. In an earlier study, Catania showed that electric eels can use their high-voltage attacks to coax prey out of hiding by causing the fish’s muscles to twitch. The eel detects this movement and hoovers up the prey.

What is special about eels?

Even though the eel looks like a snake it is really a fish. They have long, narrow bodies with long dorsal and anal fins. Most eels have no scales. The eel’s backbone is made up of over 100 vertebrae which makes it very flexible.