Topic outline

  • Save the Eel


    • About the Game

      The European eel is one of the most mysterious species of fish in the world. Their migration and spawning life cycles are one of nature's greatest unsolved mysteries. After growing in freshwater and coastal ecosystems in Europe, eels travel back over the Atlantic to the Sargasso Sea to spawn and die. However, this epic migration is hampered by numerous obstacles blocking their journey. This is attributing to the 98% decline in the European eel population, making it a critically endangered species. In this game, you dive under water with Angie the eel to learn more about the European eel and the obstacles they need to pass into the sea to go reproduce in the Sargasso Sea, an area ca. 7000 km west of Europe. Help Angie to build up fat reserves to have enough energy for her journey and follow Angie in journey.


      This game is intended for all age groups and can be played in English or Dutch, both on desktop and mobile devices.

      • Objectives

        1. Present the scientific characteristics and behavioral aspects of the European eel;

        2. Illustrate the eels migration and spawning life cycles;

        3. Examine the obstacles eels face during their seaward migration.

        • Play the Game

        • Learn More

          If you want to find out more about the research on the European eel and the aspects covered in the game, you can refer to the following links:

        • Comments and Feedback

        • Credits

          The game was created by Pieterjan Verhelst (Ghent University) and Arnaud Zonderman (Scriptie vzw) and developed by Slappy.inc., with the financial support of LifeWatch Belgium, Ghent University, Scriptie vzw, the Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), and the Flanders Marine Institute (VLIZ).