Eels (short and longfinned) Anguilla reinhardtii
Distribution - The long-finned eel is found in freshwater rivers, streams, dams, lagoons and lakes on the coastal side of the Great Dividing Range, from Cape York in northern Queensland southwards through NSW into Victoria and Tasmania.
Size - Reaches a maximum length of approximately 1.7 metres and 22 kg in weight. Commonly found up to 1 metre in length.
Characteristics - Long-finned eels have an olive-green, heavily mottled back and sides and a silvery-white to pale yellow belly. They are the largest freshwater eel in Australia, with females growing much larger than males. It is a good recreational species because of its large size and strength. Commonly caught at night on baited hooks, particularly pieces of fish and earthworms.
Confusing species - Closely related and very similar to the short-finned eel, however, the dorsal fin starts much closer to the head on the long-finned eel. Often incorrectly referred to as conger eel in Victoria and NSW. They may also resemble lampreys, especially when small.
Fishing rules – Short finned eels must be at least 30cm in size before they can be taken. Long finned eels must be at least 58cm in size before they can be taken. A bag and possession limit of 10 in total applies to eels, for either a single species or a combination of the two species.