Is eel kosher?

Question:

Is fresh-water eel kosher? I know that the eel is really a fish, with very small scales and elongated fins, so shouldn't this popular sushi fish be kosher?

Answer:

Eel are not kosher, though they seemingly have both signs that demarcate kosher fish: fins and scales.

This is because the definition of fins and scales – as they regard to kosher – are clearly designated by Jewish law. Not every "scale" meets this limited definition. According to Torah law, in order to be considered a "kosher sign," a scale must be easily removable without tearing the fish's skin.

Eel's scales are part of their skin and cannot be removed without tearing the skin.

Best wishes,

Rabbi Baruch S. Davidson