Habitat of Giant Mottled Eels near Jeju

The giant mottled eel is a tropical fish of the eel family, widely distributed from East Africa through the South Pacific, Southeast Asia, and China. Jeju Island, together with Nagasaki in Japan, marks the northern limit of its range. It is a large fish growing up to 2 m in length, with a body that is yellowish-brown to dark blue-grey and a pale belly. It resembles the ordinary eel but can be easily distinguished by dark brown, cloud-shaped markings and small spots on its body and fins. It lives in fresh water for five to eight years before descending to the deep sea to spawn. At present, the habitat of the giant mottled eel on Jeju Island is under pressure from water pollution and environmental destruction caused by various development and construction projects. The aquatic insects and small fish that serve as its food are decreasing, and the marine environment near Cheonjiyeon is deteriorating, hindering the eels' movement toward Cheonjiyeon.

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Where it is

Region

Seogwipo, Jeju

Designation

Natural Monument · 천연기념물