A century of research on the larval distributions of the Atlantic eels: a re-examination of the data

Migratory life cycle of Anguilla anguilla: a mirror symmetry with A. japonica

The European and Japanese eel populations have declined significantly in recent decades. To effectively manage and conserve them, gaining a better understanding of their migratory life cycles is important. Previous research on the spawning ecology and larval dispersal of European and Japanese eels has led to many significant discoveries and advancements for their migratory life cycles. However, different scholars hold varying views on their migratory life cycles, especially concerning the European eel, therefore this article aims to provide a comprehensive review of research from multiple disciplines concerning the spawning ecology and larval dispersal of European and Japanese eels and to propose migratory life cycles of these two species. The migratory life cycle of the European eel is as follows: European silver eels undertake a year-long spawning migration from September to January to reach the Sargasso Sea for spawning before the next spawning season, typically between December and May. After hatching, European eel leptocephali are transported by the Gulf Stream, Frontal Countercurrents, North Atlantic Current, and Azores Current and return to Europe and North Africa for growth. Recruitment of European glass eels mainly occurs between October and June of the following year, and the recruiting season is more concentrated in countries closer to the spawning area and more dispersed in countries farther away. The consistent recruitment pattern and the growth rate of leptocephali suggest a larval transport period, also called larval duration, of around 1 year. Understanding the migratory life cycle of European eels can facilitate the evaluation or development of their conservation measures.

European eel (Anguilla anguilla) survival modeling based on a 22-year capture-mark-recapture survey of a Mediterranean subpopulation

Since the 1980s, the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) has declined by over 90% in recruitment across its European and North African distribution area. This diadromous fish spawns at sea and migrates into continental waters, where it grows for three to more than 30 years, depending on habitat conditions and location. During their growth, different habitat use tactics can locally influence the life-history traits of eels, including their survival rates. Thus, the spatio-temporal dimension of this species is crucial for management. Based on a rare Mediterranean long-term survey of more than 20 years (2001-2022) in an artificial drainage canal connected to a vast brackish lagoon (the Vaccarès lagoon), we aimed to study the dynamics of one subpopulation's life-history traits. We used Bayesian multistate capture-mark-recapture (CMR) models to assess the temporal variability in survival and abundance at both seasonal and inter-annual scales, considering life-stage structure. High survival rates and low detection probabilities were found for the undifferentiated and female yellow stages. In contrast, female silver eels exhibited lower survival rates and higher capture probabilities. Estimating detection probabilities and survival rates enabled accurate assessment of relative abundance across different life stages and time periods. Our findings indicated a substantial decrease in the abundance of undifferentiated and female yellow eels in the early 2000s, whereas the abundance of female silver eels remained consistently low yet stable throughout the study period. Considering the life stage seemed essential to study the dynamics of the eel during its continental growing period. The present results will provide key elements to propose and implement suitable sustainable environmental management strategies for eel conservation.

Details on the transport of European eel larvae through the Strait of Gibraltar into the Mediterranean Sea

Numbers of European glass eels (Anguilla anguilla) monitored along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Europe currently serve as the main stock indicator in assessment of this critically endangered species. Spawning, however, takes place exclusively in the Sargasso Sea, several thousand kilometers away. The beginning of its complex lifecycle is characterized by a distant and lengthy larval drift, before the young-of-the-year reach the monitoring stations at the European coasts. The oceanic mechanisms regulating dispersal and distribution of European eel leptocephalus larvae, before they metamorphose into glass eels and colonize future growth habitats, are still poorly understood and data are scarce. Here, we present oceanographic and leptocephalus catch data from a 24-h station on board of the German Research Vessel Meteor, covering one event cycle of the tide-derived change of hydrographic conditions in the central part of the Strait of Gibraltar. Results of this study provide detailed insights on how the exchange of water masses between the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea may favor or prevent transport and migration of eel larvae through the Strait, which potentially plays a decisive role in timing and magnitude of larval recruitment events into the entire Mediterranean region.

Recent insights into egg quality and larval vitality of the European eel Anguilla anguilla

To date, the eel industry still depends on wild-caught juveniles that are grown to marketable size. There is an urgent need to close the eel life cycle in captivity to make aquaculture independent of the natural population. With this artificial reproduction protocol, yolk-sac larvae can be produced but egg quality may be impaired. Low survival rates and high deformity rates are frequently observed during the first week after hatching. Over the past four years, we have conducted studies with the aim to optimize the artificial reproduction protocol, thereby focussing on increasing egg and larval quality. Weekly carp or salmon pituitary extract (PE) treatment was successfully replaced with recombinant gonadotropins (rGTHs) to mature female eels and produce larvae. 17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) was replaced with upstream precursor progesterone (P) to induce the endogenous production of DHP by the female eel. DHP and P were found equally potent in inducing oocyte maturation and ovulation. The effects of antibiotics on larval survival and the occurrence of deformities were investigated. Antibiotic treatment increased survival and decreased the occurrence of deformities indicating bacterial infection as an important cause. A deformity determination key for young eel larvae has been developed that provides a framework of reference for larval deformities which will be instrumental with gaining insights on the reasons behind each larval deformity. These improvements of the artificial reproduction protocol and hatchery practices will contribute to the production of robust eel larvae that survive, grow and metamorphose into juveniles that will later be able to reproduce in captivity.

Evidence of striking morphological similarity and tissue tropism of phylogenetically distant myxozoan genera: Myxidium and Paramyxidium in the kidney of the European eel

European eel, Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus) (Elopomorpha: Anguilliformes), is a critically endangered fish of ecological and economic importance, hosting numerous parasites, including myxozoans (Cnidaria). Since its initial discovery in the kidney of European eel, Myxidium giardi Cépède, 1906 has been reported with numerous spore sizes and shapes from various tissues of multiple anguillid species. Morphological variability, wide host and tissue spectrum, and lack of sequence data raised doubts about the conspecificity of reported isolates. Subsequent studies provided 18S rDNA sequences of several isolates from anguillids and other elopiform fish, and demonstrated a split of parasite data into two distinct phylogenetic lineages, one comprising the M. giardi sequence, and the other all species infecting elopiform fishes classified under the recently established genus Paramyxidium Freeman et Kristmundsson, 2018. Myxidium giardi was, however, transferred to this genus as Paramyxidium giardi n. comb. and designated as the type species of the genus. In line with this change, the sequence originally identified as M. giardi was considered to have been incorrectly associated with this species. To shed light on the status of M. giardi originally described by Cépède (1906), we conducted microscopic and molecular examinations of various organs of 24 individuals of European eel, originating from diverse Czech habitats. Through morphometric and molecular analyses, we demonstrated that spore and polar capsule morphology, morphometry and tissue tropism of our European eel kidney parasite isolates matched the features of the original M. giardi description. Our isolates clustered in the lineage encompassing the first published M. giardi sequence. Thus, the originally described M. giardi indeed represents an existing species within the genus Myxidium Bütschli, 1882, which we formally resurrect and redescribe. Due to the morphological and molecular differences between M. giardi and P. giardi of Freeman et Kristmundsson (2018), we additionally rename the latter species as Paramyxidium freemani nom. nov.

Panmixia in the American eel extends to its tropical range of distribution: Biological implications and policymaking challenges

The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) has long been regarded as a panmictic fish and has been confirmed as such in the northern part of its range. In this paper, we tested for the first time whether panmixia extends to the tropical range of the species. To do so, we first assembled a reference genome (975 Mbp, 19 chromosomes) combining long (PacBio and Nanopore and short (Illumina paired-end) reads technologies to support both this study and future research. To test for population structure, we estimated genotype likelihoods from low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of 460 American eels, collected at 21 sampling sites (in seven geographic regions) ranging from Canada to Trinidad and Tobago. We estimated genetic distance between regions, performed ADMIXTURE-like clustering analysis and multivariate analysis, and found no evidence of population structure, thus confirming that panmixia extends to the tropical range of the species. In addition, two genomic regions with putative inversions were observed, both geographically widespread and present at similar frequencies in all regions. We discuss the implications of lack of genetic population structure for the species. Our results are key for the future genomic research in the American eel and the implementation of conservation measures throughout its geographic range. Additionally, our results can be applied to fisheries management and aquaculture of the species.

Organochlorine residues in muscle of European eels (Anguilla anguilla) from four Spanish Mediterranean wetlands and coastal lagoons

European eels (Anguilla anguilla) are an endangered species throughout their range, and chlorine organic compounds are some of the most important pollutants for marine species. Data on contaminants in eel stocks remain incomplete, so organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in muscle of European eels from four Spanish Mediterranean ecosystems were analyzed. COPs are presents in eels from all areas, but some compounds are not detected: HCH α, β and γ (lindane), endosulfan sulfate, heptachlor, and PCBs 28, 52 and 180. The high percentage of DDT 2,4' in eels from S'Albufera des Grau Natural Park, an ecosystem with good ecological status according to the Water Framework Directive, and the presence of PCBs in S'Albufereta Natural Reserve indicate the need to carry out further studies in the future. The results obtained can improve the management of this species in the studied areas.

Identification of virus infections of European eels intended for stocking measures

The spread of viral diseases in eels is suggested to severely affect the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) panmictic population. The European Commission has initiated the Eel Recovery Plan (Council Regulation No. 1100/2007) to try to return the European eel stock to more sustainable levels within that measures eel restocking. However, scientific evidence evaluating the efficacy of stocking remains scarce. In addition, knowledge about the impact and contribution of eel stocking on the distribution of infectious diseases is insufficient. In this study, we aimed to investigate virus infections in batches of eels intended for restocking. We analysed samples of glass eels from certified fisheries and farmed European eels from different aquaculture farms. All analysed eels were purchased within a North Rhine Westphalian conservation program. Via a combination of cell culture and qPCR-based techniques, we detected infections of glass eels with the rhabdovirus Eel Virus European X and anguillid herpesvirus 1 infections in farmed eels (10-15 cm).

Changes in Dendritic Spine Morphology and Density of Granule Cells in the Olfactory Bulb of Anguilla anguilla (L., 1758): A Possible Way to Understand Orientation and Migratory Behavior

Simple Summary

The olfactory bulb can process odour cues through granular cells (GCs) and dendritic spines, changing their synaptic plasticity properties and their morphology. The GCs’ dendritic spines density and morphology were analysed in Anguilla anguilla, considering the olfaction as a driver involved in fish orientation and migration. For the head and neck morphology, spines were classified as mushroom, long thin, stubby, and filopodia. Spines’ density decreased from juvenile migrants to no-migrant stages and increased in the adult migrants. Spines’ density was comparable between glass and silver eels as an adaptation to migration, while at non-migrating phases, spines’ density decreased. For its phylogenetic Elopomorph attribution and its complex life cycle, A. anguilla could be recommended as a model species to study the development of dendritic spines in GCs of the olfactory bulb. Considering the role of olfaction in the orientation and migration of A. anguilla, the modification of environmental stimuli (ocean alterations and climate change) could represent contributing factors that threaten this critically endangered species.

Abstract

Olfaction could represent a pivotal process involved in fish orientation and migration. The olfactory bulb can manage olfactive signals at the granular cell (GC) and dendritic spine levels for their synaptic plasticity properties and changing their morphology and structural stability after environmental odour cues. The GCs’ dendritic spine density and morphology were analysed across the life stages of the catadromous Anguilla anguilla. According to the head and neck morphology, spines were classified as mushroom (M), long thin (LT), stubby (S), and filopodia (F). Total spines’ density decreased from juvenile migrants to no-migrant stages, to increase again in the adult migrant stage. Mean spines’ density was comparable between glass and silver eels as an adaptation to migration. At non-migrating phases, spines’ density decreased for M and LT, while M, LT, and S density increased in silver eels. A great dendritic spine development was found in the two migratory phases, regressing in trophic phases, but that could be recreated in adults, tracing the migratory memory of the routes travelled in juvenile phases. For its phylogenetic Elopomorph attribution and its complex life cycle, A. anguilla could be recommended as a model species to study the development of dendritic spines in GCs of the olfactory bulb as an index of synaptic plasticity involved in the modulation of olfactory stimuli. If olfaction is involved in the orientation and migration of A. anguilla and if eels possess a memory, these processes could be influenced by the modification of environmental stimuli (ocean alterations and rapid climate change) contributing to threatening this critically endangered species.

Active swimming and transphort by currents observed in Japanese eels (Anguilla japonica) acoustically tracked in the western North Pacific

The mechanisms of oceanic animal migration remain enigmatic. Adult Japanese eels start their long-distance oceanic migration from coastal areas to breed near the West Mariana Ridge. We tracked acoustically tagged eels released in the Kuroshio Current (KC) area near Japan (five silver-phase eels, three of which had impaired swim bladders) and a tropical/subtropical (TS) area near/in the spawning area (two yellow-phase and three silver-phase eels). We analyzed their active swimming and transport by water currents. The strong flow of the KC dominated the eels’ movements in the north, and TS area; their swimming influenced their movements. In the KC area, greater distances were covered at night than during the day, because eels swam in shallower layers with strong currents at night. Three and one eel in the TS and KC area in the upper 400 m showed counterclockwise and clockwise movements around the time of solar culmination, respectively. The meta-analysis showed that eels released at middle latitudes (20°–34° N) generally swam southward through currents, whereas those released at low latitudes (12°–13° N) generally swam northward through currents. Our study suggests the influence of the surrounding current and a potential effect of solar cues on the movements of Japanese eels.

Comparative genomics and signatures of selection in North Atlantic eels

Comparative genomic approaches can identify putative private and shared signatures of selection. We performed a comparative genomic study of North Atlantic eels, European eel (Anguilla Anguilla) and American eel (A. rostrata). The two sister species are nearly undistinguishable at the phenotypic level and despite a wide non-overlapping continental distribution, they spawn in partial sympatry in the Sargasso Sea. Taking advantage of the newly assembled and annotated genome, we used genome wide RAD sequencing data of 359 individuals retrieved from Sequence Nucleotide Archive and state-of-the-art statistic tests to identify putative genomic signatures of selection in North Atlantic eels. First, using the F_ST and XP-EHH methods, we detected apparent islands of divergence on a total of 7 chromosomes, particularly on chromosomes 6 and 10. Gene ontology analyses suggested candidate genes mainly related to energy production, development and regulation, which could reflect strong selection on traits related to eel migration and larval duration time. Gene effect prediction using SNPeff showed a high number of SNPs in noncoding regions, pointing to a possible regulatory role. Second, using the iHS method we detected shared regions under selection on a total of 11 chromosomes. Several hypotheses might account for the detection of shared islands of selection in North Atlantic eels, including parallel evolution due to adaptation to similar environments and introgression. Future comparative genomic studies will be needed to further clarify the causes and consequences of introgression, including the directionality of these introgression events.

Mapping silver eel migration routes in the North Sea

Recent developments in tracking technology resulted in the mapping of various marine spawning migration routes of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla). However, migration routes in the North Sea have rarely been studied, despite many large European rivers and hence potential eel growing habitat discharge into the North Sea. In this study, we present the most comprehensive map to date with migration routes by silver European eels in the North Sea and document for the first time successful eel migration through the English Channel. Migration tracks were reconstructed for 42 eels tagged in Belgium and 12 in Germany. Additionally, some eels moved up north to exit the North Sea over the British Isles, confirming the existence of two different routes, even for eels exiting from a single river catchment. Furthermore, we observed a wide range in migration speeds (6.8–45.2 km day⁻¹). We hypothesize that these are likely attributed to water currents, with eels migrating through the English Channel being significantly faster than eels migrating northward.

Impaired reproductive fitness despite high fecundity in European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) from a Baltic Sea drainage area

The reproductive fitness of female European eels (Anguilla anguilla L.) from the Warnow River, Germany, Baltic Sea region, was evaluated by estimating fecundity and applying a spawning model. Individual fecundity ranged from 1,440,000 to 7,455,000 oocytes and mean relative fecundity equalled 5,956,015 oocytes kg^-1 . Modelling suggests that 43% of eels hold insufficient energy storages or are within 10% of complete depletion. The fraction of eels with insufficient energy supply increases from 19% to 35% if the effect of parasitic infection is considered.

Movements of Non-Migrant European Eels in an Urbanised Channel Linking a Mediterranean Lagoon to the Sea

Transitional ecosystems and, particularly, Mediterranean lagoons represent important habitats for the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) population. In these habitats many anthropogenic pressures can disturb eel movements and, in turn, negatively affect the population. Despite the importance of movements during the non-migrant growing stage in eels, this topic is understudied in Mediterranean lagoons. We thus aim to describe the diel and seasonal phenology and the effect of environmental drivers on non-migrant eel movements. Videos obtained from an Adaptive Resolution Imaging Sonar (ARIS) acoustic camera that continuously recorded from October 2018 to April 2020 were processed to evaluate the daily number of eels swimming toward the lagoon. More than 60% of the 7207 eels observed were females with a size >45 cm. Movements were year-round and predominantly during the night. A Boosted Regression Tree analysis demonstrated that, among the 10 environmental drivers studied, flow velocity, water temperature, discharge of the main tributary, wind velocity and atmospheric pressure, had the strongest influence on eel movement activity. Non-migrant eel movements should be better incorporated into lagoon management plans through actions such as limiting dredging activities from 18:00 to midnight, especially when the water flows toward the lagoon and when the water temperature is higher than 12 °C.

Reconciling seascape genetics and fisheries science in three codistributed flatfishes

Uncertainty hampers innovative mixed-fisheries management by the scales at which connectivity dynamics are relevant to management objectives. The spatial scale of sustainable stock management is species-specific and depends on ecology, life history and population connectivity. One valuable approach to understand these spatial scales is to determine to what extent population genetic structure correlates with the oceanographic environment. Here, we compare the level of genetic connectivity in three codistributed and commercially exploited demersal flatfish species living in the North East Atlantic Ocean. Population genetic structure was analysed based on 14, 14 and 10 neutral DNA microsatellite markers for turbot, brill and sole, respectively. We then used redundancy analysis (RDA) to attribute the genetic variation to spatial (geographical location), temporal (sampling year) and oceanographic (water column characteristics) components. The genetic structure of turbot was composed of three clusters and correlated with variation in the depth of the pycnocline, in addition to spatial factors. The genetic structure of brill was homogenous, but correlated with average annual stratification and spatial factors. In sole, the genetic structure was composed of three clusters, but was only linked to a temporal factor. We explored whether the management of data poor commercial fisheries, such as in brill and turbot, might benefit from population-specific information. We conclude that the management of fish stocks has to consider species-specific genetic structures and may benefit from the documentation of the genetic seascape and life-history traits.

Assessment of the quality of European silver eels and tentative approach to trace the origin of contaminants - A European overview

The European eel is critically endangered. Although the quality of silver eels is essential for their reproduction, little is known about the effects of multiple contaminants on the spawning migration and the European eel management plan does not take this into account. To address this knowledge gap, we sampled 482 silver eels from 12 catchments across Europe and developed methods to assess three aspects of eel quality: muscular lipid content (N = 169 eels), infection with Anguillicola crassus (N = 482), and contamination by persistent organic pollutants (POPs, N = 169) and trace elements (TEs, N = 75). We developed a standardized eel quality risks index (EQR) using these aspects for the subsample of 75 female eels. Among 169 eels, 33% seem to have enough muscular lipids content to reach the Sargasso Sea to reproduce. Among 482 silver eels, 93% were infected by A. crassus at least once during their lifetime. All contaminants were above the limit of quantification, except the 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE), Ag and V. The contamination by POPs was heterogeneous between catchments while TEs were relatively homogeneous, suggesting a multi-scale adaptation of management plans. The EQR revealed that eels from Warwickshire were most impacted by brominated flame-retardants and agricultural contaminants, those from Scheldt were most impacted by agricultural and construction activities, PCBs, coal burning, and land use, while Frémur eels were best characterized by lower lipid contents and high parasitic and BTBPE levels. There was a positive correlation between EQR and a human footprint index highlighting the capacity of silver eels for biomonitoring human activities and the potential impact on the suitability of the aquatic environment for eel population health. EQR therefore represents a step forward in the standardization and mapping of eel quality risks, which will help identify priorities and strategies for restocking freshwater ecosystems.

New clues on the Atlantic eels spawning behavior and area: the Mid-Atlantic Ridge hypothesis

The Sargasso Sea has long been considered as the only spawning area for Atlantic eels, despite the absence of direct observations. The present study raises a novel scenario, deviating from Schmidt’s dogma, begins with a review of historical and recent observations that were combined to build up a global theory on spawning ecology and migration behavior of Atlantic eels. From this, it is argued that a favorable spawning area could be located eastward of Sargasso Sea at the intersection between the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and the oceanic fronts. Ocean circulation models combined with 3D particle-tracking method confirmed that spawning at this specific area would result in larval distribution fitting the field observation. This study explores the hypothesis that leptocephali are able to swim and orientate to reach their specific growth areas. It proposes a novel framework about spawning ecology, based on orientation, navigation and meeting cues of silver eels to the spawning area. Together this framework may serve as a stepping-stone for solving the long-lasting mystery of eel reproduction which first came out 2,400 years ago and promotes the understanding of oceanic migration and reproduction of marine organisms.

New insights into methylmercury induced behavioral and energy-related gene transcriptional responses in European glass eel (Anguilla anguilla)

The effect of methylmercury (MeHg) was investigated in glass eel migration behavior and metabolism. To migrate up estuary, glass eels synchronize their swimming activity to the flood tide and remain on or in the substratum during ebb tide. Following seven days of exposure to MeHg (100 ng L^-1), glass eels migration behavior was expressed by their swimming synchronization to the water current reversal every 6.2 h (mimicking the alternation of flood and ebb tides) and their swimming activity level. In relation to their behavior, we then analyzed the energy-related gene expression levels in individual head, viscera and muscle. Results showed that MeHg decreased the number of glass eels synchronized to the change in water current direction and their swimming activity level. This last effect was more pronounced in non-synchronized fish than in synchronized ones, supporting the idea that non-synchronized glass eels could be more vulnerable to stress. As regard the expression of energy-related genes, no significant difference was observed between control and MeHg-exposed fish. In contrast, when the swimming activity levels were plotted against transcriptional responses, positive correlations were evidenced in viscera and especially in the head of exposed glass eels but not in control. Finally, it is noteworthy that non-synchronized glass eels displayed lower expression level of metabolism genes than their synchronized counterpart, but only in the head. Altogether, these results support the interest of focusing on the head to investigate the facultative migration behavior in glass eels and the effect of environmental stressors on this rhythmic behavior.

A comprehensive hypothesis on the migration of European glass eels (Anguilla anguilla)

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is a catadromous fish that spawns in the Sargasso Sea. As larvae, eels cross the Atlantic Ocean and reach the continental slope of Europe, where they metamorphose into post-larval glass eels. These reach the continent, where some enter fresh water, some remain in marine waters, and others move between fresh and marine waters. After 5-25 years, as adult silver eels, they migrate back from fresh water to the Sargasso Sea to spawn and die. The glass eel stage is a critical step during which the eels cross the continental shelf and recruit to estuaries, where they facultatively transition to fresh water. Extensive research has been conducted to understand the behavioural mechanisms and environmental cues that aid and guide glass eels' migration. Glass eels follow odours and salinity gradients, they avoid light, and they change orientation and depth according to the tides. Recent work revealed that European glass eels also use Earth's magnetic field and lunar cues to orient. However, while we understand many aspects of their orientation behaviour, a unifying theory describing how glass eels migrate from the continental slope to fresh water is lacking. The goal of this review is to develop a comprehensive hypothesis on the migration of European glass eels, integrating previous knowledge on their orientation behaviour with recent findings on magnetic and celestial orientation. This review follows the journey of a hypothetical glass eel, describing the nature and the role of orientation cues involved at each step. I propose that, although glass eels have the sensory capacity to use multiple cues at any given time, their migration is based on a hierarchical succession of orientation mechanisms dictated by the physical properties of the environments that they occupy: (i) lunar and magnetic cues in pelagic water; (ii) chemical and magnetic cues in coastal areas; and (iii) odours, salinity, water current and magnetic cues in estuaries.

Distribution of anguillid leptocephali and possible spawning areas in the South Pacific Ocean

Seven South Pacific anguillid eel species live from New Guinea to French Polynesia, but their spawning areas and life histories are mostly unknown despite previous sampling surveys. A July-October 2016 research cruise was conducted to study the spawning areas and times, and larval distributions of South Pacific anguillid eels, which included a short 155°E station-line northeast of New Guinea and five long transects (5-25°S, 160°E-140°W) crossing the South Equatorial (SEC) and other currents. This survey collected nearly 4000 anguilliform leptocephali at 179 stations using an Isaacs-Kidd Midwater Trawl accompanied by 104 CTD casts. Based on mor-phometric observations and DNA sequencing, 74 anguillid leptocephali were collected, which in the southern areas included 29 larvae of six species: Anguilla bicolor pacifica, A. marmorata, A. australis, A. reinhardtii, A. megastoma, and A. obscura (all anguillid species of the region were caught except A. dieffenbachii). Small A. australis (9.0-16.8 mm) and A. reinhardtii (12.4, 12.5 mm) leptocephali were collected south of the Solomon Islands, other A. australis (10.8-12.0 mm) larvae were caught northwest of Fiji along with an A. obscura (20.0 mm) larva, and an A. marmorata (7.8 mm) larva was collected near Samoa. Considering collection sites, larval ages from otolith analysis, and westward SEC drift, multiple spawning locations occurred from south of the Solomon Islands and the Fiji area (16-20 days old larvae) to near Samoa (19 days old larva) during June and July in areas where high-salinity Subtropical Underwater (STUW, ~150 m depth) and the warm, low-salinity surface Fresh Pool were present. Five long hydrographic sections showed the strong Fresh Pool in the west and the STUW formation area in the east.

Spawning by the European eel across 2000 km of the Sargasso Sea

It has been known for about a century that European eels have a unique life history that includes offshore spawning in the Sargasso Sea about 5000-7000 km away from their juvenile and adult habitats in Europe and northern Africa. Recently hatched eel larvae were historically collected during Danish, German and American surveys in specific areas in the southern Sargasso Sea. During a 31 day period of March and April 2014, Danish and German research ships sampled for European eel larvae along 15 alternating transects of stations across the Sargasso Sea. The collection of recently hatched eel larvae (≤12 mm) from 70° W and eastward to 50° W showed that the European eel had been spawning across a 2000 km wide region of the North Atlantic Ocean. Historical collections made from 1921 to 2007 showed that small larvae had also previously been collected in this wide longitudinal zone, showing that the spatial extent of spawning has not diminished in recent decades, irrespective of the dramatic decline in recruitment. The use of such a wide spawning area may be related to variations in the onset of the silver eel spawning migration, individual differences in their long-term swimming ability, or aspects of larval drift.

Glass eels (Anguilla anguilla) imprint the magnetic direction of tidal currents from their juvenile estuaries

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) hatches in the Sargasso Sea and migrates to European and North African freshwater. As glass eels, they reach estuaries where they become pigmented. Glass eels use a tidal phase-dependent magnetic compass for orientation, but whether their magnetic direction is innate or imprinted during migration is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that glass eels imprint their tidal-dependent magnetic compass direction at the estuaries where they recruit. We collected 222 glass eels from estuaries flowing in different cardinal directions in Austevoll, Norway. We observed the orientation of the glass eels in a magnetic laboratory where the magnetic North was rotated. Glass eels oriented towards the magnetic direction of the prevailing tidal current occurring at their recruitment estuary. Glass eels use their magnetic compass to memorize the magnetic direction of tidal flows. This mechanism could help them to maintain their position in an estuary and to migrate upstream.

The relationship between the moon cycle and the orientation of glass eels (Anguilla anguilla) at sea

Links between the lunar cycle and the life cycle (migration patterns, locomotor activity, pulses in recruitment) of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) are well documented. In this study, we hypothesized that the orientation of glass eels at sea is related to the lunar cycle. The European eel hatches in the Sargasso Sea and migrates across the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe. Upon reaching the continental shelf, the larvae metamorphose into glass eels and migrate up the estuaries, where some individuals colonize freshwater habitats. How glass eels navigate pelagic waters is still an open question. We tested the orientation of 203 glass eels in a transparent circular arena that was drifting in situ during the daytime, in the coastal Norwegian North Sea, during different lunar phases. The glass eels swimming at sea oriented towards the azimuth of the moon at new moon, when the moon rose above the horizon and was invisible but not during the other moon phases. These results suggest that glass eels could use the moon position for orientation at sea and that the detection mechanism involved is not visual. We hypothesize a possible detection mechanism based on global-scale lunar disturbances in electrical fields and discuss the implications of lunar-related orientation for the recruitment of glass eels to estuaries. This behaviour could help glass eels to reach the European coasts during their marine migration.

Animal Navigation: The Eel's Magnetic Guide to the Gulf Stream

The geographic distribution of migratory species can span thousands of kilometers. Yet, traits that enable large-scale migrations are poorly understood. A recent study demonstrates that juvenile eels use the Earth's magnetism for their dispersal, with possible implications for their evolution.

Effect of larval swimming in the western North Pacific subtropical gyre on the recruitment success of the Japanese eel

The possible effect of directional larval swimming on the recruitment success of the Japanese eel, Anguilla japonica, was examined with a three-dimensional particle-tracking ocean circulation model using horizontal northwestward swimming and diel vertical migration (DVM). Four separate experiments included virtual larvae (v-larvae) movement from the spawning area over 290 days (total migration) and 160 days (stage A), from the STCC eddy region in 70 days (stage B), and from the origin of the Kuroshio in 60 days (stage C) to evaluate the effect of directional swimming and DVM compared to simple drifting. Passive or random swimming were not the most effective strategies for larvae dispersing from the spawning area because most v-larvae remained south of 20°N without entering the Kuroshio. Northwestward swimming resulted in wider dispersion and a better chance of successful recruitment, with v-larvae becoming widely distributed in the STCC eddy zone, arriving at the east coast of the Philippines (stage A), escaping the STCC eddy area and reaching the Kuroshio (stage B), and crossing the Kuroshio into the East China Sea shelf (stage C). DVM slightly shortened the migration period due to faster shallow layer ocean currents during nighttime. The NEC transported non-swimming v-larvae westward to the Kuroshio and occasionally northward into the Subtropical Countercurrent (STCC) area where eddies transported v-larvae westward into the Kuroshio, but less than with swimming. Directional swimming increased recruitment success, northwestward swimming was more effective than other directions, and a slower swimming speed was still better than no/random swimming in sensitivity tests. The present study demonstrated a first view of the possibility that Japanese eel larvae might be able to use a strategy of single-direction swimming to increase arrival at their recruitment areas.

Gelatinous plankton is important in the diet of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) larvae in the Sargasso Sea

Limited insight into eel larvae feeding and diet prevents a holistic overview of the life-cycle of catadromous eels and an understanding of the ecological position of their early stages in marine waters. The present study evaluated the diet of larval European eel, Anguilla anguilla - a critically endangered species. Next-generation 18S rRNA gene sequencing data of Sargasso Sea eel larvae gut contents and marine snow aggregates was compared with a reference plankton database to assess the trophic relations of eel larvae. Gut contents of A. anguilla larvae were not well explained by the eukaryotic composition of marine snow aggregates; gut contents being dominated by gene sequences of Hydrozoa taxa (phylum Cnidaria), while snow aggregates were dominated by Crustacea taxa. Pronounced differences between gut contents and marine snow aggregates were also seen in the prokaryotic 16S rRNA gene composition. The findings, in concert with significant abundances of Hydrozoa in the study area, suggest that Hydrozoa plankton are important in the diet of A. anguilla larvae, and that consideration of these organisms would further our understanding of A. anguilla feeding strategies in the oligotrophic Sargasso Sea, which may be important for potential future rearing of A. anguilla larvae in captivity.

Temperature induced variation in gene expression of thyroid hormone receptors and deiodinases of European eel (Anguilla anguilla) larvae

Thyroid hormones (THs) are key regulators of growth, development, and metabolism in vertebrates and influence early life development of fish. TH is produced in the thyroid gland (or thyroid follicles) mainly as T4 (thyroxine), which is metabolized to T3 (3,5,3'-triiodothyronine) and T2 (3,5-diiodothyronine) by deiodinase (DIO) enzymes in peripheral tissues. The action of these hormones is mostly exerted by binding to a specific nuclear thyroid hormone receptor (THR). In this study, we i) cloned and characterized thr sequences, ii) investigated the expression pattern of the different subtypes of thrs and dios, and iii) studied how temperature affects the expression of those genes in artificially produced early life history stages of European eel (Anguilla anguilla), reared in different thermal regimes (16, 18, 20 and 22 °C) from hatch until first-feeding. We identified 2 subtypes of thr (thrα and thrβ) with 2 isoforms each (thrαA, thrαB, thrβA, thrβB) and 3 subtypes of deiodinases (dio1, dio2, dio3). All thr genes identified showed high similarity to the closely related Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica). We found that all genes investigated in this study were affected by larval age (in real time or at specific developmental stages), temperature, and/or their interaction. More specifically, the warmer the temperature the earlier the expression response of a specific target gene. In real time, the expression profiles appeared very similar and only shifted with temperature. In developmental time, gene expression of all genes differed across selected developmental stages, such as at hatch, during teeth formation or at first-feeding. Thus, we demonstrate that thrs and dios show sensitivity to temperature and are involved in and during early life development of European eel.

Anguillicola crassus infection affects mRNA expression levels in gas gland tissue of European yellow and silver eel

Using Illumina sequencing, we investigated transcriptional changes caused by the nematode Anguillicola crassus within yellow and silver eels by comparing swimbladder samples of uninfected yellow with infected yellow eels, and uninfected silver with infected silver eels, respectively. In yellow eel gas gland, the infection caused a modification of steady state mRNA levels of 1675 genes, most of them being upregulated. Functional annotation analysis based on GO terms was used to categorize identified genes with regard to swimbladder metabolism or response to the infection. In yellow eels, the most prominent category was 'immune response', including various inflammatory components, complement proteins, and immunoglobulins. The elevated expression of several glucose and monocarboxylate transporters indicated an attempt to maintain the level of glucose metabolism, even in due to the infection thickened swimbladder tissue. In silver eel swimbladder tissue, on the contrary, the mRNA levels of only 291 genes were affected. Genes in the categories 'glucose metabolism' and 'ROS metabolism' barely responded to the infection and even the reaction of the immune system was much less pronounced compared to infected yellow eels. However, in the category 'extracellular matrix', the mRNA levels of several mucin genes were strongly elevated, suggesting increased mucus production as a defense reaction against the parasite. The present study revealed a strong reaction to an Anguillicola crassus infection on mRNA expression levels in swimbladder tissue of yellow eels, whereas in silver eels the changes ware almost negligible. A possible explanation for this difference is that the silvering process requires so much energy that there is not much scope to cope with the additional challenge of a nematode infection. Another possible explanation could be that gas-secreting activity of the silver eel swimbladder was largely reduced, which could coincide with a reduced responsiveness to other challenges, like a nematode infection.

Temperature effects on gene expression and morphological development of European eel, Anguilla anguilla larvae

Temperature is important for optimization of rearing conditions in aquaculture, especially during the critical early life history stages of fish. Here, we experimentally investigated the impact of temperature (16, 18, 20, 22 and 24°C) on thermally induced phenotypic variability, from larval hatch to first-feeding, and the linked expression of targeted genes [heat shock proteins (hsp), growth hormone (gh) and insulin-like growth factors (igf)] associated to larval performance of European eel, Anguilla anguilla. Temperature effects on larval morphology and gene expression were investigated throughout early larval development (in real time from 0 to 18 days post hatch) and at specific developmental stages (hatch, jaw/teeth formation, and first-feeding). Results showed that hatch success, yolk utilization efficiency, survival, deformities, yolk utilization, and growth rates were all significantly affected by temperature. In real time, increasing temperature from 16 to 22°C accelerated larval development, while larval gene expression patterns (hsp70, hsp90, gh and igf-1) were delayed at cold temperatures (16°C) or accelerated at warm temperatures (20–22°C). All targeted genes (hsp70, hsp90, gh, igf-1, igf-2a, igf-2b) were differentially expressed during larval development. Moreover, expression of gh was highest at 16°C during the jaw/teeth formation, and the first-feeding developmental stages, while expression of hsp90 was highest at 22°C, suggesting thermal stress. Furthermore, 24°C was shown to be deleterious (resulting in 100% mortality), while 16°C and 22°C (~50 and 90% deformities respectively) represent the lower and upper thermal tolerance limits. In conclusion, the high survival, lowest incidence of deformities at hatch, high yolk utilization efficiency, high gh and low hsp expression, suggest 18°C as the optimal temperature for offspring of European eel. Furthermore, our results suggest that the still enigmatic early life history stages of European eel may inhabit the deeper layer of the Sargasso Sea and indicate vulnerability of this critically endangered species to increasing ocean temperature.

Glass eels (Anguilla anguilla) have a magnetic compass linked to the tidal cycle

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) has one of the longest migrations in the animal kingdom. It crosses the Atlantic Ocean twice during its life history, migrating between the spawning area in the Sargasso Sea and Europe, where it is widely distributed. The leptocephalus larvae drift with the Gulf Stream and other currents for more than a year and metamorphose into glass eels when they arrive on the continental shelf and move toward coastal areas. The mechanisms underlying glass eel orientation toward the coast and into freshwater systems are poorly known. However, anguillid eels, including the glass eel life stage, have a geomagnetic sense, suggesting the possibility that they use Earth's magnetic field to orient toward the coast. To test this hypothesis, we used a unique combination of laboratory tests and in situ behavioral observations conducted in a drifting circular arena. Most (98%) of the glass eels tested in the sea exhibited a preferred orientation that was related to the tidal cycle. Seventy-one percent of the same eels showed the same orientation during ebb tide when tested in the laboratory under a manipulated simulated magnetic field in the absence of any other cue. These results demonstrate that glass eels use a magnetic compass for orientation and suggest that this magnetic orientation system is linked to a circatidal rhythm.

Assessing pre- and post-zygotic barriers between North Atlantic eels (Anguilla anguilla and A. rostrata)

Elucidating barriers to gene flow is important for understanding the dynamics of speciation. Here we investigate pre- and post-zygotic mechanisms acting between the two hybridizing species of Atlantic eels: Anguilla anguilla and A. rostrata. Temporally varying hybridization was examined by analyzing 85 species-diagnostic single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; F_ST ⩾0.95) in eel larvae sampled in the spawning region in the Sargasso Sea in 2007 (N=92) and 2014 (N=460). We further investigated whether genotypes at these SNPs were nonrandomly distributed in post-F1 hybrids, indicating selection. Finally, we sequenced the mitochondrial ATP6 and nuclear ATP5c1 genes in 19 hybrids, identified using SNP and restriction site associated DNA (RAD) sequencing data, to test a previously proposed hypothesis of cytonuclear incompatibility leading to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthase dysfunction and selection against hybrids. No F1 hybrids but only later backcrosses were observed in the Sargasso Sea in 2007 and 2014. This suggests that interbreeding between the two species only occurs in some years, possibly controlled by environmental conditions at the spawning grounds, or that interbreeding has diminished through time as a result of a declining number of spawners. Moreover, potential selection was found at the nuclear and the cytonuclear levels. Nonetheless, one glass eel individual showed a mismatch, involving an American ATP6 haplotype and European ATP5c1 alleles. This contradicted the presence of cytonuclear incompatibility but may be explained by that (1) cytonuclear incompatibility is incomplete, (2) selection acts at a later life stage or (3) other genes are important for protein function. In total, the study demonstrates the utility of genomic data when examining pre- and post-zyotic barriers in natural hybrids.

Empirical observations of the spawning migration of European eels: The long and dangerous road to the Sargasso Sea

The spawning migration of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) to the Sargasso Sea is one of the greatest animal migrations. However, the duration and route of the migration remain uncertain. Using fishery data from 20 rivers across Europe, we show that most eels begin their oceanic migration between August and December. We used electronic tagging techniques to map the oceanic migration from eels released from four regions in Europe. Of 707 eels tagged, we received 206 data sets. Many migrations ended soon after release because of predation events, but we were able to reconstruct in detail the migration routes of >80 eels. The route extended from western mainland Europe to the Azores region, more than 5000 km toward the Sargasso Sea. All eels exhibited diel vertical migrations, moving from deeper water during the day into shallower water at night. The range of migration speeds was 3 to 47 km day-1. Using data from larval surveys in the Sargasso Sea, we show that spawning likely begins in December and peaks in February. Synthesizing these results, we show that the timing of autumn escapement and the rate of migration are inconsistent with the century-long held assumption that eels spawn as a single reproductive cohort in the springtime following their escapement. Instead, we suggest that European eels adopt a mixed migratory strategy, with some individuals able to achieve a rapid migration, whereas others arrive only in time for the following spawning season. Our results have consequences for eel management.

Anguillicola crassus impairs the silvering-related enhancements of the ROS defense capacity in swimbladder tissue of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla)

In a process called silvering, European eels prepare for their long-distance migration from European freshwater systems to the Sargasso Sea for reproduction. During this journey, eels perform extended diel vertical migrations, and the concomitant changes in hydrostatic pressure significantly affect the swimbladder, functioning as a buoyancy organ. As the swimbladder is primarily filled with oxygen, the tissue has to cope with extreme hyperoxic conditions, which typically are accompanied by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. In addition, since the introduction of the parasitic nematode Anguillicola crassus in the early 1980s, swimbladder function of most of the European eels is impaired by the infection with this parasite. However, the exact pathways to detoxify ROS and how these pathways are affected by silvering or the infection are still unknown. In swimbladder and muscle tissue from uninfected and infected yellow, and from uninfected and infected silver eels, we measured the level of lipid peroxidation, which increases with ROS stress. To assess the capacity of the ROS defense systems, we analyzed the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR), and determined the concentration of the antioxidant glutathione (GSH + GSSG). In swimbladder tissue, we found increased concentrations of GSH + GSSG as well as higher activities of SOD, GPx and GR, suggesting that SOD and the glutathione cycle are important for ROS detoxification. Comparing swimbladder tissue of uninfected yellow with uninfected silver eels, the concentration of GSH + GSSG and the activity of SOD were higher after silvering, corresponding with lower levels of lipid peroxidation. Whereas in yellow eels the infection with A. crassus had no effect, in silver eels the capacity to cope with ROS was significantly impaired. In muscle tissue, silvering or the infection only affected the activity of SOD but in exactly the same way as in swimbladder tissue.

The hydrographic features of anguillid spawning areas: potential signposts for migrating eels

Catadromous anguillid eels (Genus Anguilla) migrate from their freshwater or estuarine habitats to marine spawning areas. Evidence from satellite tagging studies indicates that tropical and temperate eel species exhibit pronounced diel vertical migrations between 150 to 300 m nighttime depths to 600 to 800 m during the day. Collections of eggs and larvae of Japanese eels (A. japonica) show they may spawn at these upper nighttime migration depths. How anguillid eels navigate through the ocean and find their spawning areas remains unknown, so this study describes the salinity, temperature and geostrophic currents between 0 and 800 m depths within two confirmed and three hypothetical anguillid spawning areas during likely spawning seasons. Within all four ocean gyres many eels would encounter subducted 'Subtropical Underwater' during their nighttime ascents that could provide odor plumes as signposts. Four spawning areas are located near the western margins of where subducted water masses form cores of elevated salinities (~35.0 to 36.8) around 150 m depths, while one is found near the center of subduction. Low salinity surface waters and fronts are present in some of the areas above the high-salinity cores. Spawning may occur at temperatures between 16 to 24°C where the thermocline locally deepens. At spawning depths, weak westward currents (~0 to 0.1 m s^-1) prevail, and eastward surface countercurrents are present. Anguillid eels possess acute sensory capabilities to detect these hydrographic features as potential signposts guiding them to where they spawn.

Does asymmetric gene flow among matrilines maintain the evolutionary potential of the European eel?

Using evolutionary theory to predict the dynamics of populations is one of the aims of evolutionary conservation. In endangered species, with geographic range extending over continuous areas, the predictive capacity of evolutionary-based conservation measures greatly depends on the accurate identification of reproductive units. The endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is a highly migratory fish species with declining population due to a steep recruitment collapse in the beginning of the 1980s. Despite punctual observations of genetic structure, the population is viewed as a single panmictic reproductive unit. To understand the possible origin of the detected structure in this species, we used a combination of mitochondrial and nuclear loci to indirectly evaluate the possible existence of cryptic demes. For that, 403 glass eels from three successive cohorts arriving at a single location were screened for phenotypic and genetic diversity, while controlling for possible geographic variation. Over the 3 years of sampling, we consistently identified three major matrilines which we hypothesized to represent demes. Interestingly, not only we found that population genetic models support the existence of those matriline-driven demes over a completely panmictic mode of reproduction, but also we found evidence for asymmetric gene flow amongst those demes. We uphold the suggestion that the detection of demes related to those matrilines reflect a fragmented spawning ground, a conceptually plausible consequence of the low abundance that the European eel has been experiencing for three decades. Furthermore, we suggest that this cryptic organization may contribute to the maintenance of the adaptive potential of the species.

Direct observations of American eels migrating across the continental shelf to the Sargasso Sea

Since inferring spawning areas from larval distributions in the Sargasso Sea a century ago, the oceanic migration of adult American eels has remained a mystery. No adult eel has ever been observed migrating in the open ocean or in the spawning area. Here, we track movements of maturing eels equipped with pop-up satellite archival tags from the Scotian Shelf (Canada) into the open ocean, with one individual migrating 2,400 km to the northern limit of the spawning site in the Sargasso Sea. The reconstructed routes suggest a migration in two phases: one over the continental shelf and along its edge in shallow waters; the second in deeper waters straight south towards the spawning area. This study is the first direct evidence of adult Anguilla migrating to the Sargasso Sea and represents an important step forward in the understanding of routes and migratory cues.

Migration of adult American eels from the coast to their spawning area in the Sargasso Sea have previously only been inferred from larval distributions. Here, Béguer-Pon et al. track adult eels from the continental shelf into the open ocean, with one individual migrating to the northern limit of the spawning site.