Short-finned eel

Anguilla australis

Sea Life Native IUCN: Near Threatened

About

Long, tubular body with dorsal, tail and anal fins forming one fin. Small gill opening on each side of the head. Large mouth extending to below the small eye. vertical gill openings. Dorsal fin begins just forward of the anal fin. Back and sides may be olive-green or vary from pale green to olive-brown, sometimes with coppery tints above and silvery sides. Belly is greyish to silvery-white. Fin colour is dark like the back

Size

Can grow to around 1m and over 6kg.

Habitat

Slow-flowing areas in streams, lowland rivers, lakes and swamps

Distribution

Southwest Pacific, In Australia it can be found from SA to QLD including Tasmania where it is a wide spread species

Local Sightings

6 recorded sightings in and around the area.

References & citations (2)
  1. Gomon, M.F. & Bray, D.J. 2018, Anguilla australis in Fishes of Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)
  2. The Atlas of Living Australia (accessed 2021-09-22 14:03:33)

Header image: (CC BY-NC 4.0) © Lek Khauv

Disclaimer: A lot of work goes into making sure identifications, descriptions, sizes, habitats and distribution details are as accurate as possible — but this information is ever-changing, so no guarantee is offered that it is correct or currently valid. Treat it as a guide and do a little of your own research for the latest word. Feedback and corrections are always welcome.