RiverFish

European eel · Anguilla anguilla

European eel in the River Main Cardinham

Largest measured european eel: 45 cm

The largest european eel measured in Environment Agency surveys of the River Main Cardinham was 45 cm, recorded at Millpool Bridge on 1 August 2000.

Across 839 measured european eel, the median measured length was 20.3 cm.

RiverFish uses Environment Agency survey measurements rather than rod-and-line angling records. These figures show fish measured during EA surveys of the River Main Cardinham.

See european eel records across England →

Most recent observation8 August 2024Margate Ford · 1 fish
Largest measured european eel
45 cm
Median length
20.3 cm
Fish measured
839
Survey locations
6

Individual EA measurements

Largest measured european eel

The largest individual measurements in this river and species dataset. Equal measurements are retained as separate surveyed fish.

LengthSurvey dateSurvey locationSurvey ID
45 cm1 Aug 2000Millpool Bridge104176
44.5 cm7 Jul 2009Margate Ford117774
43 cm20 Sept 2016Woodford149342
41 cm8 Aug 2024Margate Ford166966
39.6 cm21 Jul 1978Margate Ford118191
38.5 cm11 Sept 1997Millpool Bridge134973
37.5 cm12 Jun 1979Margate Ford135484
37.4 cm27 Sept 1983Millpool Bridge104117
37 cm19 Aug 2013Margate Ford138028
37 cm28 Jul 2000Peach Bridge104177

Lengths are direct survey measurements. RiverFish does not estimate fish weights from length.

Explore the river

Where european eel were found

Each point marks a survey location with at least one european eel record.

Choose a point on the map to see what was recorded there.

Map points are approximate and don’t show fishing access. Check local permissions before visiting.

Place surveyedFirst recordedLast recordedVisits finding european eel
Margate Ford12 Aug 19778 Aug 202424
Woodford22 Sept 198320 Sept 201611
Millpool Bridge27 Sept 198316 Jul 201210
Fletchers Bridge28 Jul 199429 Jun 20058
Cardinham14 Sept 19799 Sept 200410
Peach Bridge23 Sept 19838 Sept 20048

Choose a point or table row to see the location. More survey visits can mean more records, but not necessarily more fish.

1977–2024

Survey records by year

Each bar shows how many survey visits recorded european eel that year.

Fish measured by surveyors

Measured length distribution

See how the 839 measured fish were spread across different length ranges.

Smallest
8.3 cm
Lower quarter
15.6 cm
Median
20.3 cm
Upper quarter
27.4 cm
Largest
45 cm

Lengths are direct survey measurements rather than anglers’ catches.

More fish in this river

Explore the River Main Cardinham

Compare other species with enough survey and measurement data for a detailed page.

Brown / sea trout Bullhead Atlantic salmon Brook lamprey

Before you fish

Good to know

These are past survey records, so the fish present today may be different. Map points are approximate—check local access, permissions and fishing rules before visiting.

Learn how RiverFish uses the data →