Loch Ness Monster: If It’s Real, Could It Be Giant European Eel?

The ‘eel hypothesis’ proposes that the anthrozoological phenomenon at Loch Ness in Scotland can be explained in part by observations of large-bodied specimens of European eel (Anguilla anguilla), as these creatures are most compatible with morphological, behavioral, and environmental considerations. In a new study, Folk Zoology Society researcher Floe Foxon analyzed data on the distribution of European eel masses in Loch Ness to estimate the probability of finding an eel of extraordinary size there. She found that giant European eels could not account for sightings of larger animals in the loch.

Loch Ness is a large oligotrophic freshwater loch located along the Great Glen Fault in Scotland.

Since the 1930s, purported sightings of unknown animals in the loch have featured prominently in popular media, but to date, no specimen has been obtained despite numerous efforts, making the probability of such animals unlikely.

The authenticity and interpretations of photographs and films allegedly depicting unknown animals in Loch Ness have been seriously doubted.

In the 20th century, systematic searches with submersibles, sector-scanning sonar surveys, hydrophones, underwater photography, long-lining, and trawling have returned only ambiguous sonar signals, low-quality photographs, and unidentifiable sound recordings.

In the 1970s, a sample of European eels was collected from Loch Ness with baited traps.

The distribution of eel masses was skewed, which led biologists to conclude that large eels may exist in the loch.

Eel body structure and function are characterized by an elongated body form, a single pair of pectoral fins, strong musculature and high-amplitude winding movement, and a durable integument with a thick epidermis and dark chromatophores.

An environmental DNA study conducted at the loch in 2018 detected extraordinary amounts of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA from eels, prompting authors to further suggest the possibility of large eels in the loch.

However, the new research by Folk Zoology Society researcher Floe Foxon casts doubt on the eel theory.

The European eel (Anguilla anguilla). Image credit: Gerard M / CC BY-SA 3.0.

Foxon analyzed catch data from Loch Ness and other freshwater bodies in Europe to predict the likelihood of observing eels as large as previous estimates of the Loch Ness Monster’s size.

The chances of encountering a 1-m-long eel in Loch Ness, according to the results, are approximately 1 in 50,000, which could explain some sightings of smaller unknown creatures.

The probability of finding much larger eels, however, is virtually zero, debunking the theory that giant eels account for sightings of larger animals.

“In this new work, a much-needed level of scientific rigor and data are brought to a topic that is otherwise as slippery as an eel,” Foxon said.

“Contrary to popular conception, the intersection between folklore and zoology is amenable to scientific analysis and has the potential to provide valuable insights into anthrozoological phenomena.”

“This work also champions open access science and nontraditional publishing — the future of scientific publication.”

The paper was published in the journal JMIRx Bio.

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