Anguilla japonica, commonly known as the Japanese eel, is a species of eel found in the western Pacific Ocean. These eels are known for their elongated bodies and can grow up to 1.5 meters long. They are born in the Sargasso Sea and migrate to freshwater rivers and lakes in Japan, China, and Korea to live and grow. After spending years in freshwater, Anguilla japonica returns to the ocean to spawn. This remarkable life cycle makes them an important part of the ecosystem. Unfortunately, their populations are declining due to overfishing and habitat loss, leading to conservation efforts to protect them.