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The American eel, Anguilla rostrata, is a catadromous fish found on the eastern coast of North America.

The American eel has a slender snakelike body that is covered with a mucous layer, which makes the eel appear to be naked and slimy despite the presence of minute scales.

A long and dorsal fin runs from the middle of the back and is continuous with a similar ventral fin.

Pelvic fins are absent, and relatively small pectoral fin can be found near the midline, followed the head and gill-covers.

Variations exist in coloration, from olive green, brown shading to greenish-yellow and light gray or white on the belly.

Eels from clear water are often lighter than those from dark, tannic acid streams