Unagi is the Japanese word for freshwater eels, a common delicacy in the country. There are over 800 species of eels in the world's water bodies. The biggest threat to these abundant eel numbers is human overconsumption. Eels are a delicacy in many parts of the world. They can survive in salty and fresh water.

Fun Facts

• Eels range in size, growing from a few inches to as long as 13 feet.
• Eels are a delicacy in many parts of the world. Their blood is poisonous to humans, but it loses its toxic properties once cooked.
• There are 800 eel species in the world today.
• Eels stick to a carnivorous diet eating smaller fish, invertebrates, shrimp, crabs, and sea urchins.
• Larger fish and fish-eating birds are the biggest eel predators in the wild.
• The average eel can live anywhere between 30 years to 70 years.
• Eels have smooth skin and ray fins that enable them to swim backward.
• The electric eel is not a true eel.
• The largest eel is the giant moray eel which can grow to 13 feet.