Longfin Eel photos and information

Longfin Eel (Anguilla reinhardtii) Photographs and Information

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Scientific Name	Anguilla reinhardtii
Location	Streams and Tributaries in Eastern Australia
Season	All year round
Size	To 106 cm in length (Female)
Australian Species Code	37 056002
Taste, Texture	Delicate fishy flavour, firm to medium texture

Information about Longfin Eel (Anguilla reinhardtii):

Most longfin eels are found in Queensland and New South Wales and on Lord Howe Island.

Longfin Eels are diadromous, that is, they move from marine to fresh waters as juveniles and return to the sea as adults. These eels live in a variety of freshwater and estuarine environments including coastal lagoons, rivers, creeks, swamps, lakes and farm dams. Longfin eels prefer riverine habitats.

Longfin eels probably spawn in the Coral Sea waters deeper than 300m, although the exact location of spawning grounds remains unknown. Females produce between 5 and 10 million pelagic eggs. Within 2-10 days the eggs hatch into pelagic larvae called "Leptocephali" The leptocephali are carried by ocean currents to the continental shelf where they develop into "glass eels" - toothless, unpigmented forms which move into estuaries with the assistance of currents and tides. Longfin eels enter estuaries mainly in summer and autumn.

The Glass Eel stage lasts approximately 12 to 18 months, after which they develop pigmentation and functional teeth - they are then called "Elvers" They then move from the estuaries into lakes, swamps and the freshwater reaches of rivers and creeks. This migration takes place during spring and summer, and mainly at night. Following this second migration the eels enter a sedentary feeding stage when they are known as "brown eels" or "yellow eels"

As Longfin eels reach maturity they move downstream to the entrances of rivers and creeks prior to commencing their spawning migration.

A number of changes occur as they mature. The dorsal surface becomes grey-green and the belly silvery white. The pectoral fins and eyes enlarge, the lateral line becomes prominent and the skin thickens. Internally, the gonads enlarge, the stomach degenerates and the anus constricts to reduce water loss. Mature eels are referred to as "Silver Eels"

They leave the estuaries from late summer to autumn. Some eels swim distances further than 3000 kilometres.

The main Australian commercial fishery for eels is in Victoria. Restrictions apply. Longfin eels are not cultured on a commercial basis at present, but a number of pilot projects are underway.