Ålrekr

Ålrekr, also known as the Atlantic conger eel (*Conger conger*), is a large, predatory eel native to the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. This species is one of the most well-known eels in European waters, prized for its culinary value and ecological role.

The Atlantic conger eel is characterized by its elongated, cylindrical body, which can reach lengths of up to 3 meters (10 feet) and weigh as much as 30 kilograms (66 pounds). Its coloration varies from dark brown to grayish-black on the back, fading to a lighter shade on the underside. Unlike many other eel species, the Atlantic conger eel lacks a distinct pectoral fin and possesses a long, whip-like tail.

Ålrekr inhabits a variety of marine environments, including rocky reefs, sandy bottoms, and kelp forests, typically at depths ranging from the intertidal zone to around 200 meters (656 feet). It is primarily nocturnal, spending daylight hours concealed in crevices or burrows. This species is a solitary hunter, feeding on a diverse diet that includes fish, crustaceans, and even smaller eels.

Reproduction in Atlantic conger eels is unique among marine species. After reaching maturity, adults migrate to the Sargasso Sea in the western Atlantic, where they release eggs and sperm into the water column. Larvae, known as leptocephali, drift with ocean currents for several months before metamorphosing into juvenile eels and returning to European waters. This long-distance migration is one of the most remarkable biological phenomena in the marine world.

Ålrekr plays an important ecological role as both predator and prey. It helps regulate fish populations and serves as a food source for larger marine animals, such as sharks and seals. Historically, it has been a significant part of coastal fisheries, particularly in Norway, where it is traditionally prepared as *ål* (a smoked or boiled delicacy). However, overfishing and habitat degradation have led to declining populations in some regions, prompting conservation efforts to sustain sustainable fishing practices.