Main Prey:
* Fish: This is their primary food source, with smaller fish like minnows, shiners, and young bass being favorites.
* Crayfish: Eels are excellent hunters of crayfish, which they can locate and capture using their sharp teeth and powerful jaws.
* Insects: They will readily consume both aquatic insects (larvae, nymphs, and adults) and terrestrial insects that fall into the water.
Other Food Sources:
* Amphibians: Frogs, tadpoles, and salamanders are also part of their diet.
* Worms: Earthworms and other aquatic worms provide a nutritious source of food.
* Crustaceans: Small shrimp and other crustaceans are also eaten when available.
* Carrion: Eels are scavengers and will scavenge on dead fish or other animals.
Hunting Techniques:
* Ambush predators: Eels often lie hidden in vegetation or under rocks, waiting to ambush their prey.
* Active hunters: They can also actively search for food, using their sense of smell and touch to locate prey.
* Powerful jaws: Their jaws are strong enough to crush the shells of crayfish and other hard-shelled invertebrates.
It's important to remember that the exact diet of a freshwater eel can vary depending on its size, location, and the availability of prey in its environment.