American Eel caught in Mississippi River near Hannibal

Researchers at the Illinois River Biological Station captured a large American Eel (Anguilla rostrata) in the Mississippi River near Hannibal, Missouri. The specimen measured approximately 37 inches (950 mm) long.

The discovery occurred during a graduate research project near a wing dam on Pool 22, where technicians were searching for blue suckers. The eel was captured by a graduate student who also serves as a technician for the Missouri Department of Conservation. Following the capture and documentation, the eel was released back into the river.