Common names
Spotted eel, Australian long-finned eel, Marbled eel, Longfin eel
Speckled longfin eel
Anguilla reinhardtii
- Mixed
- Least concern
Max length65 in
Common length39.25 in
Length typeTotal Length
Max weight48 lb 8 oz
Depth range4 - 9840 ft
Max age41 years
Water typeMixed
Fish info
IUCN Vulnerability status
Short description
Speckled longfin eel have a long tubular/snakelike/cylindrical body with dorsal, tail and anal fins forming one long fin. They have well-developed pectoral fins, and small gill openings on each side of the head, which is broad and has thick fleshy lips. Their large mouth is extending back behind their eyes. The dorsal fin starts well ahead of the anal fin. The colour of the sides and back varies from olive-green to brownish with distinct small darker spots or blotches. The sides and belly are paler. The median fins are brown and the pectoral fins are often yellowish. When migrating seaward adults lose their spots and become bright silver. It is Australia's largest freshwater eel, and the female usually grows much larger than the male.
Habitat
Lives predominantly in freshwater rivers and streams, but is born in deep waters of the ocean. It can be found in many freshwater areas, including creeks, streams, rivers, swamps, dams, lagoons, and lakes although generally more often in rivers than lakes.
Distribution
The long-finned eel is a native of New Guinea, eastern Australia (including Tasmania), Lord Howe Island, and New Caledonia.
Behaviour
Principally carnivorous although some plant material is eaten. Large adults take a variety of prey ranging from insects to fish, although fish appear to be the main component of the diet. Feeding patterns follow the seasons and is most intense at night during spring and summer. Upstream migrations of glass eels occur from January to May. Spends most of its life cycle in freshwater and migrates downstream to spawn at sea when sexually mature.
Edibility
They're a little boney, but have great flavour especially when smoked, they've got a delicate fishy flavour and taste similar to Japanese eel. Regarded as a delicacy in some parts of Asia.
Lure suggestion
The long-finned eel is taken easily at night on baited hooks. Good bait: nightcrawlers, garden snails, chunks of meat (they aren't picky).