How do eels move through the water?

Eels are a type of fish known for their snake-like appearance and smooth, slippery skin. When it comes to swimming, eels use a unique technique that allows them to move effortlessly through the water. This technique is known as anguilliform locomotion, and it involves the eel moving its body in a wave-like motion from side to side.

The eel's long and slender body allows it to create a series of undulating waves that travel down its length. As each wave passes through the body, it creates a forward force that propels the eel through the water. The eel also uses its fins to steer and maintain its direction as it swims.

In addition to their anguilliform locomotion, eels are also capable of swimming backwards, which is a skill that few other fish possess. They achieve this by reversing the direction of the waves that they produce when swimming forwards. This allows them to swim backwards with the same fluidity and grace as when they are moving forwards.