How long has eels lived on earth?

Eels, particularly the species known as the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and the American eel (Anguilla rostrata), have existed for millions of years, with fossil evidence suggesting their ancestors date back to at least 100 million years. They are part of a lineage that has adapted over time to various environmental conditions. Despite their long history, many eel populations are currently facing significant threats due to habitat loss, overfishing, and climate change.