Short-finned Eel
Anguilla australis
Short-finned Eel (Anguilla australis) is a catadromous eel found in rivers, lakes, estuaries, and coastal waters of southeastern Australia, Tasmania, and New Zealand. It grows in freshwater/brackish systems and migrates to the ocean to spawn.
Identification points
- Long, snake-like body with no pelvic fins and a continuous fin margin around the tail
- Small pectoral fins just behind the gill openings
- Olive-brown to yellow-brown back with a paler belly, often lighter on the sides
Habitat
Slow rivers, backwaters, wetlands, lakes, billabongs, drains, estuaries, and coastal lagoons; often shelters in mud, logs, weed beds, undercut banks, and rock crevices.
Bait notes
Best on small fish baits, earthworms, maggots, scrub worms, prawns, and strips of oily fish or chicken offal. Small soft plastics or scented baits can work, but natural baits usually outfish lures.
Behavior
Nocturnal and secretive, with strong daytime sheltering and night-time foraging on worms, insects, crustaceans, fish, and carrion. It is highly nocturnal and can move over damp ground between waters during wet conditions.
Caution
Handle carefully: eels are slimy, strong, and can bite; their teeth can cut skin. Some populations carry contaminants from local waters, so observe local fish-consumption advisories and regulations.
Fishing notes
Fish at night or in low light near cover and drop-offs with a running sinker or float rig. Use small, strong hooks and let the eel fully mouth the bait before striking; expect hard fights in weed and snags.