Eels (Short and Long-finned)
Scientific name
Anguilla reinhardtii
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.
Size
Reaches a maximum length of approximately 1.7 m and 22 kg in weight. Commonly found up to 1 m in length.
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.
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.
