Eels are not snakes, but unique fish capable of breathing through their skin.

Eli the eel: A mysterious migration - James Prosek · 4:39 · Video: TED-Ed · Watch at the source

In short: James Prosek follows the life of Eli, an Anguilla eel, as she navigates a mysterious migration. This journey takes her from the ocean into fresh water and eventually back to the sea, highlighting the remarkable biology of a creature often mistaken for a snake.

While eels share a slithery appearance with snakes, they are distinct fish. A defining biological trait of the Anguilla eel is its ability to respire through its skin, an adaptation that allows the animal to survive for periods outside of the water.

The life cycle of the eel involves a migration pattern that moves against the expected flow, traveling between marine and freshwater environments. This journey is central to the species' existence, marking a complex transition between different habitats.

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