The New Zealand Longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii) is New Zealand's only endemic freshwater eel. The other species of eel found in New Zealand are the native Shortfin eel (Anguilla australis) which is also found in Australia, and the sporadically naturally introduced Australian Longfin eel (Anguilla reinhardtii).
The easiest method for identification of the New Zealand Longfin eel is by the length of its fins: the dorsal (top) fin extends further forward towards the head than the anal (bottom) fin. In the Shortfin Eel the fins are of similar lengths.
The New Zealand Longfinn eel is classified as a threatened species in gradual decline by the Department of Conservation.
Read more about New Zealand Longfin Eel: General Biology, Life Stages, Recruitment, Sex Determination, Diet, Habitat and Distribution, Significance For Māori, Longfin Eel Fishing, Longfin Eel Aquaculture, Conservation
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