Lapseks

Lapseks, also known as the European eel (Anguilla anguilla), is a species of eel native to Europe and the surrounding regions. It is a catadromous fish, meaning it lives in freshwater for most of its life but migrates to the ocean to reproduce. The European eel has a complex life cycle that involves several distinct stages and habitats.

The life cycle of the European eel begins in the Sargasso Sea, where they spawn. The larvae, known as leptocephali, drift with the Gulf Stream to the coasts of Europe and North Africa. Upon reaching their destination, they metamorphose into glass eels and then into elvers, which migrate upstream into freshwater habitats such as rivers, lakes, and estuaries. Here, they grow and mature into yellow eels, which can live for many years.

As they approach sexual maturity, the yellow eels undergo another metamorphosis, becoming silver eels. This transformation is triggered by hormonal changes and is characterized by physical changes such as increased eye size and a more streamlined body shape. Silver eels then migrate back to the Sargasso Sea to spawn and complete their life cycle.

The European eel faces numerous threats, including habitat loss, pollution, overfishing, and barriers to migration such as dams. These factors have led to a significant decline in their population, and they are now classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts are underway to protect and restore their habitats and ensure the survival of this unique species.