Fun Anago Facts For Kids

Anago is the fancy Japanese word for salt-water eels, which is normally referred to as a sub-species of ma-Anago. They are considered a delicacy in Japan. Eel is consumed in sushi simmered or deep-fried with tempura. Freshwater eels are also consumed, too. They are barbequed with sauce. Anago is more oily and rich in fat in comparison to the freshwater eel known as unagi. Anago meat is softer and sweet tasting texture. The Anago belong to the conger genus, which is a species of large eels. They can grow to a length of 6 ft. The white-spotted conger is known as ma-Anago in Japanese. They are found in the Northwestern Pacific near the coasts of the Korean peninsula, Japan, and the North China Sea. They are light gray colored with white spots all over their body. Eels do not have a pelvic fin and many species do not have pectoral fins.

The anal and dorsal fin of the eel are fused with the caudal fin giving them their ribbon-like body. They can swim by creating waves in their body. The saltwater eel creates waves using their whole body to move ahead. This saltwater eel species can swim backward by reversing the wave. They live in shallow muddy water, burrows in sand or mud, and amongst rocks. Some eels also live in eel pits. Anago eel is known as the Devil of the Sea. Unagi and Anago are two separate species. Unagi and Anago have different textures and tastes. After reading about the saltwater eel, you may also look at electric eel facts and moray eel facts.

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What type of animal is an Anago?

Anago is a type of fish found in the shallow waters of the ocean. It is the Japanese name for saltwater eels. At first sight, Anago looks quite similar to a Unagi but in actuality there are many subtle differences.

What class of animal does an Anago belong to?

The Anago belongs to the fish or Actinopterygii class of animal.

How many Anagos are there in the world?

It is difficult to find the exact numbers of Anago in the world as they are considered delicacies in Japan and sometimes farmed, too.

Where does an Anago live?

They are found in the Northwestern Pacific near the coasts of the Korean peninsula, Japan, and the North China Sea.

What is an Anago's habitat?

They live in shallow muddy water, burrows in sand or mud, and amongst rocks. Some eels live in eel pits.

Who do Anagos live with?

They may be solitary animals or live in communities called eel pits which they dig in sandy or muddy bottoms.

How long does an Anago live?

Exact information about their lifespan is not available as of now. They may have a lifespan of five years.

How do they reproduce?

There is not much information about their breeding season or mating rituals. It is known that the female releases the eggs in water and the males fertilize them after that. Adults may die after spawning. The eel's life begins as transparent larvae called leptocephali. It will drift to the surface of the ocean, eating the suspended particles surrounding them. They will metamorphosis into glass eel and then become elvers which are like juveniles. And from there, they grow to their complete adult size.

What is their conservation status?

Not many details are known about their conservation status as they are harvested, too, for food. They belong to the class of Least Concern.

What do Anagos look like?

At first, Unagi and Anago might look the same and you might not be able to tell the difference. But Unagi and Anago are quite different in terms of appearance as Unagi is almost entirely black in color while the Anago is brown in color.  These saltwater eels are found in different colors. They are light grey colored with white spots all over their body. Eels do not have a pelvic fin, and many species do not have pectoral fins. The anal and dorsal fin are fused with the caudal fin giving them their ribbon-like body.

How cute are they?

They are different-looking creatures. They are ribbon-like and slender, and are light weight. Anago may appear cute to some people.

How do they communicate?

Not much is known about Anago’s vocal or non-vocal communication. Anago is seen in pairs communicating with each other, especially during summer.

How big is an Anago?

The Anago can grow up to the size of 6 ft, which makes them medium length among other eel species.

How fast can an Anago swim?

They may swim at a decent speed. The exact swimming speed is not known for the Japanese Anago.  

How much does an Anago weigh?

The exact weight of the Anago is not known. However, it may weigh around 4.4-6.6 lb depending on its length and size.

What are their male and female names of the species?

The male and female names for the Anago are not known. They are known as male Anago and female Anago respectively.

What would you call a baby Anago?

The baby Anago may be called larvae or leptocephali. Later on they are known as juveniles.

What do they eat?

The Anago eats live feeder fish, squid, octopus, small fish, benthic crustaceans, and finfish.  

Do they bite?

Anago may not be the biting kind. But they may have an aggressive reaction if handled incorrectly. There are other larger eel species that are known to bite.

Would they make a good pet?

The Anago fish may be harvested for consumption as it is a popular delicacy in Japan. It would be a good idea to have one in your aquarium, too. Anago is delicate and care must be taken to feed them well or have other fish bigger than them, as they will eat whatever they find that is smaller.

Did you know...

Anago means saltwater eel in Japanese and is liked by people for its distinct taste.

Unagi and Anago, both are used in Sushi. Anago is a popular delicacy in Japanese cuisine.

Cooking and eating Anago

Anago is consumed in sushi as simmered or deep-fried with tempura texture known as Anago sushi. Anago is more oily in taste, soft, and rich with fat (EPA, DHA), in comparison to the freshwater eel known as Unagi. Anago meat is fresh, softer, and has a sweet taste, making it a popular choice in Japanese cuisine. They are popular in local fish markets, especially in Japan. The taste of Anago sushi is amazing and this makes it a popular choice in Japanese cuisine.

What is the difference between Anago and Unagi?

Unagi has dark black colored skin while Anago is a lighter shade of gray or brown and has white dots on its body. Anago is saltwater feel, and Unagi is freshwater eel. Unagi is more nutritious than Anago. Anago is lighter in taste and Unagi is considered more oily or heavier. Anago is cooked as a topping for sushi or fried with tempura. Unagi is steamed and barbecued to be served with a special sauce. Unagi and Anago are both tasty to eat.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! Learn more about some other fish including conger eel, or candiru.

You can even occupy yourself at home by drawing one on our anago coloring pages.