The latest part in NIWA’s summer series… Lurking in the depths
of freshwater waterways, all around New Zealand, longfin eels
are the most common fish in our rivers. The native longfin eel,
at up to 1.6 metres in length, is something to be in awe of,
especially when there’s a crowd of them — and they aren’t the
most attractive thing you’ve ever seen. There are three native
species: the longfin eel, shortfin eel, and the Australian
longfin. ’Both shortfins and longfins are widespread throughout
New Zealand with shortfins preferring slow flowing rivers and
lowland lakes, while longfins prefer faster water and are found
further inland than shortfins. The Australian longfin eel is
found only in the upper half of the North Island,’ says NIWA
Principal Scientist Dr Don Jellyman. Wriggly, long, slippery
fellows, characterised by a thick layer of slime on their skin,
longfin eels aren’t the best to touch. Dark brown or grey
coloured, they have tiny scales like most fish, yet feel smooth.
The longfin eels are great cli