The larvae are transparent ribbonlike creatures that drift with the current and take approximately one year to reach the New York State area. When they grow to be 2.5 inches long, larval eels then change into the classic eel shape. Now called glass eels, they are still transparent. The three inch long elvers then begin the trip upstream with females moving far upstream, while males remain near the ocean. Eels usually spend ten years in freshwater before returning to the sea to spawn.
Eels are important commercial fish in New York State.
Most are exported to Europe and Japan, where they are smoked, jellied, or cooked in olive oil and vinegar. Unfortunately, many of the prime fishing areas for eels have been closed due to high PCB levels. The term unusual can mean many things when talking about New York State's fish. It does not necessarily mean a fish is uncommon or odd in appearance. Many waters contain fish species that were not native nor the result of an authorized introduction or stocking.