Article Nº 1259 Fish Vol. I · p. 738
European eel (Anguila vulgaris)
Original title: Eiró (Anguila vulgaris)
The European eel, found in the lower reaches of some Madeiran streams and pools; it breeds at sea and is fished only as boys' pastime.
A fish of the family Leptocephalidae, common in the lower reaches of some streams and pools of Madeira. Although it tastes pleasant, it is not traded at all, and fishing for it is at most a mere pastime for boys.
The eel breeds in the sea, to which it withdraws at certain times of year. After passing through the leptocephalus stage, the young eels still live for some time in salt water, returning to the pools and streams only once they have reached a certain size.
Places mentioned