Eels of the genus Anguilla have a unique life cycle that involves long migrations between freshwater and marine environments, making a significant contribution to biodiversity and fisheries. This study examined the growth and health of Anguillid eels in two Kenyan rivers with differing habitat integrity; the Ramisi and the Athi-Galana-Sabaki (AGS) Rivers. Four species which are the Anguilla bengalensis, Anguilla bicolor, Anguilla marmorata, and Anguilla mossambica were assessed for morphometric variations and growth patterns. A Kruskal-Wallis test (p≤0.05) revealed significant differences in habitat integrity between the rivers. Although A. bengalensis and A. bicolor showed no significant differences in mean lengths, A. marmorata and A. mossambica were significantly larger in the Ramisi River. Growth patterns varied: A. bengalensis and A. marmorata exhibited contrasting growth forms between rivers, while A. bicolor and A. mossambica displayed positive allometric growth in both. Hepatosomatic index (HSI) and Condition factor (K) analyses indicated better liver health and overall condition of most species in the River Ramisi. These findings enhance our understanding of Anguillid eels' responses to habitat variations and provide essential insights for biodiversity conservation and fisheries management strategies in Kenya, where information on these species is limited.

 

Key words: Anguillid eels, habitat integrity, length-weight, hepatosomatic index (HSI), Condition factor (k).