* Tidal pools are temporary: They form when the tide recedes, trapping seawater. This means eels would have to be able to tolerate changes in salinity and oxygen levels as the water evaporates.
* Limited space: Tidal pools are relatively small and often have limited food sources. While some smaller eels might survive there temporarily, larger eels need more space to thrive.
* Predation risk: Tidal pools offer little protection from predators, making them vulnerable to attacks from birds, fish, and other animals.
* Eels prefer estuaries and rivers: Most eel species prefer to live in brackish or freshwater environments like estuaries and rivers. These habitats offer more food, shelter, and space for eels to grow.
However, some eels might occasionally venture into tidal pools:
* Foraging: Eels might enter tidal pools to hunt for prey, especially during low tides when food is more concentrated.
* Shelter: They may also seek refuge in tidal pools during high tides, especially if they are juveniles or are avoiding predators.
So, while eels can survive in tidal pools, it's not their typical habitat, and they prefer larger, more stable environments.