Eel ID

American Eel
Anguilla rostrata
Also known as: eel

Description: Snake-like body with continuous dorsal, tail and anal fin. It is a “catadromous” fish – it lives in freshwater but spawns in saltwater. Only females migrate this far inland. Become mature in 6 to 20 years, then migrate back to Bermuda area of Atlantic Ocean (often referred to as the Sargasso Sea) where they spawn and die. Aquatic insects are the main food of small eels, while large eels mainly consume fish, frogs and crayfish. Seldom caught by anglers.

Family: Eel
Type: Sport Fish
Range: Missouri River, lower portion of Platte River.

References

The Fishes of Nebraska by Hrabik, et. al (2015)