Yellow eels are the juvenile stage of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and American eel (Anguilla rostrata). They are named for their yellowish-brown coloration, which helps them blend into their freshwater habitats. Yellow eels can be found in rivers, lakes, and coastal areas, where they spend most of their lives feeding and growing. As they mature, yellow eels undergo a transformation into silver eels, preparing for their migration to the Sargasso Sea to spawn. This life cycle is fascinating, as yellow eels can live for many years, sometimes up to 20 years or more, before making this long journey.