New findings confirm the presence of silver European eels in the inland waters of Cyprus, marking the easternmost extent of their known habitat. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about the species' geographic limitations and carries implications for conservation efforts.
The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) undertakes a complex life cycle, including a migratory phase to spawn in the Sargasso Sea. These eels have faced a dramatic population decline over the last century due to various environmental pressures.
Researchers have identified silver European eels in Cyprus for the first time.
This sighting extends the known geographic range of this species in the Eastern Mediterranean.
The discovery was made by researchers from Bournemouth University.
It occurred in inland waters, including the Polis River in Paphos.
Complex Life Cycle and Migration
The European eel possesses one of the most intricate life cycles among fish. Adult eels migrate long distances to spawn, a journey that has been a subject of scientific study for decades.
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The eels' spawning grounds are believed to be in the Sargasso Sea, across the Atlantic Ocean.
Scientists have not yet directly observed eels mating in the wild, which remains a significant research question.
Mature eels undertake a spawning migration, estimated to be between 5,000 and 10,000 kilometers.
Declining Populations and Conservation Concerns
European eel populations have significantly diminished, a trend attributed to several factors:
Pollution: Contamination of their habitats impacts eel health and survival.
Habitat Loss: Degradation and destruction of freshwater environments reduce breeding and feeding grounds.
Extreme Weather: Changes in climate and weather patterns can disrupt migration and survival.
Parasites: Infections can weaken and kill eels.
Exploitation: Fishing and other human activities have contributed to population decline.
The European eel is classified as a critically endangered species, highlighting the urgency of conservation measures.
Significance of the Cyprus Discovery
The confirmation of silver eels in Cyprus is significant for several reasons:
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Range Expansion: It pushes the documented eastern boundary of the European eel's range. Previously, the species was known to inhabit areas as far east as parts of Turkey, but not Cyprus.
Challenging Assumptions: The presence of mature, migrating eels suggests the species can endure and complete critical life stages even at the periphery of its understood habitat. This challenges prior beliefs about the geographic limits of their distribution.
Conservation Planning: Cyprus was previously exempt from European eel management plans due to an assumed lack of significant eel populations, particularly the silver stage. This finding necessitates a review of such exemptions.
Adaptability: It indicates the species' capacity for adaptation and survival in environments previously thought to be outside their established range.
Expert Analysis and Recommendations
Research related to this discovery emphasizes the need for improved management and habitat conditions. Scientists recommend:
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Enhancing Freshwater Ecosystems: Measures to facilitate eel migration are crucial.
Addressing Barriers: Identifying and mitigating obstacles to eel movement is vital.
Data Collection: Continued surveys and research are needed, especially in understudied regions like the Eastern Mediterranean.
"Because little information exists on silver eels in the eastern Mediterranean, our surveys in Cyprus specifically targeted habitats and periods where silvering and migration were most likely to occur, and confirmed that mature silver eels are present and migrating at the easternmost edge of the species' range." - Bournemouth University Researchers
Conclusion and Future Implications
The discovery of silver European eels in Cyprus is a notable scientific finding. It expands our understanding of the species' distribution and resilience. This evidence directly impacts conservation strategies, particularly concerning the European Eel Management Plans.
The findings highlight the dynamic nature of species' ranges and their ability to persist in challenging environments.
Further research is warranted to understand the specific conditions in Cyprus that support these eels and to assess potential migration routes.
The inclusion of Cyprus in broader eel management and conservation efforts is now a pressing consideration.
Sources Used:
Phys.org: "Silver European eel discovered in Cyprus for the first time"
Published: 15 hours ago
Link: https://phys.org/news/2026-02-silver-european-eel-cyprus.html
Context: Reports on the initial discovery by Bournemouth University researchers, detailing the location and the significance of the finding in extending the species' known range.
Scienmag: "First-ever Sighting of Silver European Eel Reported in Cyprus"
Published: 10-Feb-2026
Link: https://scienmag.com/first-ever-sighting-of-silver-european-eel-reported-in-cyprus/
Context: Provides a scientific overview of the discovery, emphasizing the complexity of the eel's life cycle and recommending improvements for freshwater ecosystems to aid eel migration.
PubMed (via AOL): "Implications of the first recording of European silver eels Anguilla anguilla in the inland waters of Cyprus"
Context: Focuses on the implications of the finding, particularly concerning Cyprus's previous exemption from European eel management plans due to an assumed absence of significant eel populations. It confirms the expansion of the geographic range for this critically endangered species.
Smithsonian Ocean (via AOL): "The Origin of Eels"
Context: Provides background information on the European eel's life cycle, specifically mentioning the long migration to the Sargasso Sea for spawning and the scientific quest to confirm this.
Animal Diversity Web: "Anguilla anguilla (Common eel) | INFORMATION"
Published: Sep 17, 2006
Link: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Anguillaanguilla/
Context: Offers general biological information on the European eel, including its migration for breeding in the Sargasso Sea and its dietary changes across life stages.
Springer: "Biogeographical snapshot of life-history traits of European silver eels: insights from otolith microchemistry"
Published: Jan 30, 2023
Link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00027-023-00940-4
Context: While a more technical research paper, it relates to the study of European silver eels, their migration, and maturation, providing a scientific backdrop to the species' life history.
FishSec: "European eel"
Context: Discusses the dramatic decline of the European eel population since the 1970s and highlights the many unknowns surrounding its spawning behavior, along with its extensive geographical range.
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