Longfin Eel
Longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii)
Longfin eels are distinguished from shortfin eels by the length of the dorsal fin; when viewed side-on, the dorsal fin is longer than the anal fin and extends well forward past the end of the anal fin. In shortfin eels, the dorsal and anal fin ends are almost the same length. Australian longfin eels can be distinguished from native longfins by the presence of irregular black blotches on the back and sides.
Longfin eels are found throughout New Zealand and are unique to this country. They are legendary climbers and have penetrated well inland in most river systems, even those with natural barriers. Large hydroelectric dams can also be surmounted if appropriate facilities are provided for eel passage.
Although longfin eels are one of our most common freshwater fish, there is concern now at the scarcity of very large specimens.
Pictures of fishers and huge eels used to appear regularly in local newspapers, but not any longer. Commercial harvesting is probably mostly to blame. These very large eels are females that contain huge numbers of eggs, and are thus important in sustaining the population. So, if you catch a big longfin – put it back in the water instead of feeding it to the cat!
