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Species · Lookalikes

American EelorAtlantic Cutlassfish

Two fish anglers mix up. Here is what separates them, and what each one’s rules are in your state.

Studio photograph of an American Eel (Anguilla rostrata), side view, on a white background
American EelAnguilla rostrata
No picture yet
Atlantic CutlassfishTrichiurus lepturus

Rules for both fish from 15 state rulebooks, checked Sep 18, 2026. Every rule names its source and the day it was last checked; the official rulebook is the final word.

How to tell them apart

American Eel

A true eel — one continuous fin running from mid-back around the tail; lower jaw juts past the upper.

Atlantic Cutlassfish

Silver ribbon with fangs — unmistakable.

Atlantic cutlassfish, next to American eel: ribbon-flat and fanged, no tail fin at all.

Side by side

American EelAtlantic Cutlassfish
Scientific nameAnguilla rostrataTrichiurus lepturus
Also calledYellow eel, Silver eel—
WatersInshoreInshore
Heaviest state record9 lb 13 oz · New Jersey (1988)5.13 lb · Texas (2021)
On the tableRich — excellent smoked.Eaten abroad; mostly a curiosity here.
Rules of its own in15 states0 states

Rules for

Every state, both fish

The two fish are regulated differently in 15 of 15 states with a rule for either. In Connecticut, American eel is 9" minimum, 25 per angler while Atlantic cutlassfish has no rule of its own there. Call the fish wrong and you keep a short one or throw back a legal one.

StateAmerican Eel: size · bag · seasonAtlantic Cutlassfish: size · bag · season
Connecticut9" minimum25 per anglerOpen year-roundOpenCT DEEP 2026 · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.
Delaware9 in min25 per dayOpen year-roundOpenDE DNREC 2026 · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.
Florida (Atlantic)9 in TL min25 per dayOpen year-roundOpenFWC 2026 · likely · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.
Florida (Gulf)9 in TL min25 per dayOpen year-roundOpenFWC 2026 · likely · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.
Georgia9 in total length25 per person per dayOpen year-roundOpenGA DNR CRD 2026 · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.
Maine9" min25 per dayOpen year-roundOpenME DMR 2026 · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.
Maryland9 in min25Jan 1-Aug 31 (hook and line); year-round for spears/trapsClosedMD DNR 2026 · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.
Massachusetts9" min25 fish (50 on for-hire vessels)Open year-roundOpenMA DMF 2026 · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.
New Hampshire9 in TL min25 fish/dayOpen year-roundOpenNH F&G 2026 · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.
New Jersey9 in min25Open year-roundOpenNJ DEP 2026 · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.
New York9"25 (50 on party/charter)Open year-roundOpenNY DEC 2026 · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.
North Carolina9 in total length25 per dayJan 1 – Aug 31ClosedNC DMF 2026 · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.
Rhode Island9" min25/person/day (50/vessel on licensed party/charter)Open year-roundOpenRI DEM 2026 · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.
South Carolina9 in minimum25/dayOpen year-roundOpenSC DNR 2026 · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.
Virginia9 in min25 per personOpen year-roundOpenVMRC 2026 · checked Not specifically regulated; the state’s default for unlisted species applies.

In the app

Point the camera at the fish and Chum names it before you take the picture, American eel or Atlantic cutlassfish, with the right rules for the water you’re standing in. No signal needed.

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Questions anglers ask

How do you tell American eel from Atlantic cutlassfish?

American Eel: A true eel — one continuous fin running from mid-back around the tail; lower jaw juts past the upper. Atlantic Cutlassfish: Silver ribbon with fangs — unmistakable. Atlantic cutlassfish, next to American eel: ribbon-flat and fanged, no tail fin at all.

Which gets bigger, American eel or Atlantic cutlassfish?

American Eel. The heaviest state record we hold is 9 lb 13 oz in New Jersey; the heaviest Atlantic cutlassfish record is 5.13 lb in Texas.

Which is better to eat, American eel or Atlantic cutlassfish?

American Eel: Rich — excellent smoked. Atlantic Cutlassfish: Eaten abroad; mostly a curiosity here.

Do American eel and Atlantic cutlassfish have the same limits?

Not everywhere. They differ in 15 state rulebooks. Connecticut: American eel 9" minimum, 25 per angler, Atlantic cutlassfish no rule of its own; Delaware: American eel 9 in min, 25 per day, Atlantic cutlassfish no rule of its own; Florida (Atlantic): American eel 9 in TL min, 25 per day, Atlantic cutlassfish no rule of its own; Florida (Gulf): American eel 9 in TL min, 25 per day, Atlantic cutlassfish no rule of its own; Georgia: American eel 9 in total length, 25 per person per day, Atlantic cutlassfish no rule of its own; and more in the table on this page.