Anguilla bengalensis

Habitat. Mostly found in lowland and coastal areas, but many individuals migrate far upstream. Most abundant inland eel in India. Juveniles found in habitats with coarse gravel and rocks, often in fast-flowing waters. Biology. Catadromous. Adults reach maturity at 5.5 – 10.5 years and die after spawning. A seaward spawning migration in April and September (Malaysia) suggests a very long spawning season of at least 6 months. Very few leptocephali of this species have been found. Juveniles feed on insects and other aquatic invertebrates, while adults feed on fish and crabs. Considered to be an “ unspoiled rare ornamental species of Himalayan drainage, ” often kept in temple ponds for religious purposes in India.

Sumber: Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

Conservation status. NT; although there is little information on population trends, it is believed that range and abundance are declining worldwide due to dam construction. It is also used as a food source, but despite its wide distribution, there is very little species-specific information on its use and trade, as it is usually lumped together with other eels in catch statistics. Overfishing is a major concern. In some parts of India, it contains levels of contaminants that prove toxic to humans.

Sumber: Handbook of Freshwater Fishes of West Asia

Distribution. In Arabian Peninsula in Wadi Haj and Wadi Masila in Yemen. Also, in rivers on east coast of Africa, from Pongola in South Africa to Genale in south-west Ethiopia. In Asia and Indian Ocean from Pakistan east to Aceh in Indonesia and peninsular Malaysia. Known to occur on oceanic islands, including Madagascar, Mauritius, Reunion, and others. Unknown if there is one or more spawning grounds in Indian Ocean.