Anguilla (genus)

Anguilla is a genus of freshwater and euryhaline eels known as swamp eels, found primarily in Asia. Unlike typical eels, these species can live both in water and burrow into muddy soils, often in wetlands, ponds, and rice paddies. They are characterized by elongated bodies, smooth skin, and the ability to breathe air, allowing them to survive in low-oxygen environments. Some species are important for local diets or traditional medicine, and they play essential roles in their ecosystems by helping to control insect populations and recycle nutrients.