In A New Study, Researchers Set Out To Determine Whether The Famed Loch Ness Monster Might Just Be A Massive Eel
Reports of a mysterious monster in Scotland’s Loch Ness date back to the sixth century. However, even earlier, around 1,500 years ago, ancient Highlanders carved images of an enigmatic aquatic creature on standing stones.
These tales persisted for hundreds of years, but it was in the 1930s when the creature, sometimes called a “monster fish,” “water beast,” “sea serpent,” “dragon,” and other dramatic names, really caught the public eye.
Since then, the Loch Ness Monster, affectionately known as Nessie, has been a staple in popular culture.
In terms of biodiversity, uncovering such a remarkable species would be really insightful as we work to comprehend the diverse range of life on Earth.
Moreover, from a cultural and public curiosity perspective, solving the enigma of Nessie would undoubtedly create a sensation in global news.
So, scientists have eagerly pursued the trail. Throughout the 20th century, there were organized efforts to find the creature, involving submersibles, hydrophones, sector-scanning sonar surveys, underwater photography, trawling, and long-lining.
In addition to actively searching for Nessie, researchers have also explored several theories, including the “eel hypothesis.”
Now, a recent study examining this idea suggests that the sightings and lore surrounding Loch Ness might be partly explained by the presence of large European eels– or Anguilla anguilla.
This theory aligns with the observed morphology, behavior, and environmental context of the reported sightings.
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The research, which was published in JMIRx BioEel, highlighted that eels possess characteristics like an elongated body shape, a single pair of pectoral fins, robust musculature, a pronounced winding motion, and skin that’s dark. Given that eyewitness accounts of Nessie often describe a dark, elongated creature with a distinct head-neck, pectoral fins, and considerable flexibility, the eel hypothesis appears quite plausible.
Nonetheless, despite recognizing the possibility of large eels inhabiting the loch, the study ultimately determines that, based solely on statistical analysis, there is no support for the existence of unusually large eels.
“The chances of finding a large eel in Loch Ness are around one in 50,000 for a 1-meter specimen, which is reasonable given the loch’s fish stock and suggests some sightings of smaller unknown animals may be accounted for by large eels,” the researchers wrote.
“However, the probability of finding a specimen upward of 6 meters is essentially zero; therefore, eels probably do not account for sightings of larger animals.”
Still, study author Floe Foxon noted how, contrary to popular belief, the overlap between folklore and zoology is open to scientific examination and “has the potential to provide valuable insights into anthrozoological phenomena.”
For those captivated by the enigma of Nessie, these findings might come as a disappointment. However, for those who view the “water beast” as something more magical than just a large eel, the mystery will continue to live on.
To read the study’s complete findings, visit the link here.
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