Other names: Australian long-finned eel , Marbled eel
The speckled longfin eel, Anguilla reinhardtii, is a catadromous species native to Australia and nearby regions. It is recognized by its elongated body and mottled coloration. This eel inhabits a variety of freshwater environments, including rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, but migrates to the ocean to spawn. It is primarily nocturnal and feeds on a range of prey, including fish, crustaceans, and insects. This species is sought after by both commercial and recreational fisheries.
Other names
Australian long-finned eel , Marbled eel
Length
~100" (max 300)
Weight
~-" (max 22)
Water
Fresh
Water Temp
3-12° F
Always open
10
No
Speckled longfin eels are found in freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, preferring deeper waters away from the shore
They are adaptable and can be found in both clear and murky waters, often in areas with abundant cover
Their diet is varied, consisting of crustaceans, mollusks, and fish, including smaller eels
Being nocturnal, they are most active at night when they hunt for food, making them less visible during the day
This species is catadromous, meaning it spends most of its life in freshwater but migrates to the ocean to spawn
Adult eels undertake long migrations to deep oceanic waters for spawning, after which they die
The larvae are carried back to coastal waters by ocean currents before migrating upstream to freshwater habitats where they mature
These migrations typically occur during specific seasons, driven by environmental cues such as water temperature and flow