Shortfinned eels are found in New Zealand, southeast Australia, Tasmania, and New Caledonia.  Tehy live mainly in fresh water (they are common in coastal ponds, lakes, swamps, and in some lakes) but migrate and breed in the ocean.

Sustainability of this New Zealand fish stock is ensured through the world-leading Fisheries Act and Quota Management System (QMS). The QMS guides the sustainable use of New Zealand fisheries. Find out what the QMS is and how it works.

Shortfinned Eels are mainly caught by fyke nets, traps and pots.

Eels are often smoked, and available as either fillets or pieces.

The age at which eels reach maturity and begin to swim back to their sqawning ground varies between species and sexes.  Female Shortfinned Eels mature on average at 19 y ears (earlier then Longfinned eels) and the migrate to the sea to breed.  The migrant eels have a high fat content.  Theya re thought to spawn northeast of Samoa.

Eel (Shortfinned) is a good source of Selenium, Vitamin A, Niacin (vitamin B3), Vitamin B12, Vitamin D and Vitamin E; and a source of Iodine, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Thiamin (vitamin B1), Riboflavin (vitamin B2) and Vitamin B6.

Seafood is a highly nutritious food and is a great source of protein. Many species are low in saturated fat and a number of them are a good source of Omega 3.