An eel is actually a fish, not a snake. While eels may resemble snakes in appearance, they are distinct marine animals belonging to the fish family. Eels typically have a longer body shape, which sets them apart from the more cylindrical form of snakes.
One of the key differences between eels and snakes is their method of respiration. Eels, being fish, possess gills for breathing underwater. They extract oxygen from the water through their gills, allowing them to respire and survive in aquatic environments. On the other hand, snakes are reptiles and rely on lungs to breathe air. They are unable to extract oxygen from water and therefore cannot survive underwater.
Eels also possess fins, another characteristic feature of fish. Fins aid in their movement and provide stability while swimming. These fins, along with their streamlined body shape, help eels navigate through water with agility. Snakes, on the other hand, lack fins and have a more slithering, undulating motion on land.
It is important to note that eels are exclusively aquatic creatures. They cannot survive outside of water due to their gill-based respiration. Unlike snakes, eels are unable to adapt to terrestrial environments and are completely dependent on water for their survival.
In terms of taxonomy, eels belong to the order Anguilliformes, which includes various species such as freshwater eels, saltwater eels, and electric eels. These species exhibit different adaptations and characteristics, but they all share the common trait of being fish.
While eels may resemble snakes in appearance, they are indeed fish. Their gill-based respiration, fins, and exclusive reliance on water for survival differentiate them from reptiles like snakes. So, the next time you come across an eel, remember that it is a fascinating fish, not a slithering serpent.