noun
elver; young eel
Refers specifically to young eels, especially those used in Japanese cuisine. The kanji 針 (needle) and 鰻 (eel) describe the thin, needle-like shape.
春になると、川で針鰻が獲れる。
In spring, elvers can be caught in the river.
針鰻の佃煮はご飯によく合う。
Elver tsukudani goes well with rice.