Anguilla reinhardtii (Long Finned Eel)

Identification

The Longfinned Eel has well developed pectoral fins, a broad head, and a large mouth with fleshy lips. It can be distinguished from the similar-looking Shortfinned Eel, Anguilla australis, by the length of the dorsal fin. The dorsal fin origin of the Longfinned Eel is well forward of the anal fin origin, whereas the dorsal fin origin of the Shortfinned Eel is above the anal fin origin. The two species also differ in dentition and colouration. The Longfinned Eel usually has olive or brown blotches above and on the sides, fading to pale on the belly. The median fins are brown and the pectoral fins are often yellowish. The Shortfinned Eel is usually a uniform colour and does not have a blotched pattern.

Size range

Landlocked Longfin Eels (those that cannot return to sea, due to physical barriers) can grow to 3 m in length and weigh 22 kg. The species is usually seen at much smaller sizes than this, often about 1m. Males are smaller than females.

Alternative Name/s

Australian Longfinned Eel, Conger Eel, Freshwater Eel, Marbled Eel, River Eel, Spotted Eel