Researchers baffled by eel migration
-
[[North American eels migrate]] up to 3,700 miles each year, but the reason why remains a mystery.
-
Some researchers believe that eels use magnetic fields to navigate, while others suggest that they follow olfactory clues in the water.
-
A new study by University of Maryland researchers suggests that eels may use both mechanisms to find their way.
-
The study used a combination of mathematical models and experiments on electric fish to explore how eels might navigate.
-
The results showed that both magnetism and smell are important cues for eel navigation.
-
The study's lead author, Dr. Jason Link, said: "We found that both the magnetic field and odor plumes were important for orienting the eels in our experiments... Our findings suggest that both magnetism and smell contribute to the amazing migrations of these animals."
Eel populations in decline
The eel is a fish that has been around for millions of years. However, its populations are in decline, and scientists are not sure why.
Eels can be found in both freshwater and saltwater environments. They are typically long and slender, with a smooth skin. They range in color from green to brown to yellow, and they have a distinctive elongated head.
Eels spawn in the ocean, but their larvae then migrate to freshwater rivers and streams where they live for most of their lives. When they reach maturity, they return to the ocean to spawn and die.
Eel populations have been declining for many years, but scientists still do not know the cause. Some possible explanations include overfishing, habitat destruction, climate change, and pollution.
Whatever the cause may be, it is clear that something needs to be done to protect these important creatures. We need to find ways to keep their populations from crashing any further.
Eels use electrolocation to find prey
Eels are able to find prey in complete darkness by using their specially adapted electroreceptor cells, which allow them to map their surroundings by measuring the electrical fields of objects. This is known as electrolocation, and it is a very useful tool for eels, as they are largely nocturnal predators.
The electroreceptor cells of eels are located in the animal's head, and they are especially sensitive to low-frequency electrical fields. When an eel detects an object with its electroreceptors, it sends a small current through the water to that object. This current creates an electrical field around the object, and the eel can then measure this field to determine the object's size, shape and distance from the eel.
By using electrolocation, eels can effectively hunt in complete darkness. They can also navigate around obstacles in their environment and even determine the location of prey that is buried beneath sand or mud. In addition, electrolocation allows eels to communicate with one another by generating electrical signals that can be sensed by other eels nearby.
Despite their name, eels are not actually fish – they are actually members of the order Anguilliformes, which also includes snakes and worms. Eels can be found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats all over the world, and there are more than 800 species of eel.
Chinese 'eel king' retiring after 40 years
A famed Chinese eel farmer is retiring after four decades, saying the "eel king" title has been a dream come true.
Wang Fucai, who started farming eels in 1978, said he was sad to say goodbye to his lifelong friends.
"Eels are Wang's best friends," Wang told state-run news agency Xinhua. "I will remember them forever."
Wang, from east China's Jiangsu province, became known as the "eel king" due to his expertise in the farming of the slippery creatures. He has supplied eels to restaurants and supermarkets across China, and even exported them to Japan.
But Wang said he was retiring at the ripe age of 70 in order to spend more time with his grandchildren. He also cited poor health as a reason for his retirement.
Eels have been used in Chinese cuisine for centuries, with various recipes calling for different cooking methods including steaming, boiling and frying.
Eel sushi gaining popularity in the US
Sushi is a popular dish in the United States, but the traditional options are typically limited to rolls with cooked fish and vegetable fillings. However, eel sushi is starting to gain in popularity as chefs add this unique item to their menus.
Eel has a delicate flavor that pairs well with rice and other sushi ingredients. The slippery texture of the eel is also a popular feature among sushi lovers. In fact, some people even say that eel tastes better than traditional sushi ingredients like salmon and tuna.
If you're looking for something new and exciting to try at your local sushi restaurant, be sure to order the eel sushi roll. You won't be disappointed!
Maoni
Chapisha Maoni