Eel anatomy

Eels are elongated, snake-like fish with a flexible, muscular body that allows them to wiggle through crevices. They have a leathery, slimy skin and no paired fins, but possess dorsal, anal, and pectoral fins that help in swimming. The head features a pointed snout, sharp teeth for capturing prey, and bilateral eyes that provide good vision. Inside, eels have a streamlined skeleton made of cartilage-like material, aiding their slippery movement. They breathe through gills, and many have a unique dorsal fin extending along their back. Eels are adapted for burrowing and swift, sinuous movement in aquatic environments.