Latin Name: Anguilla australis
Weight: Up to 10kg
Length: Males 40-50cm: females 50-80cm
Family: Shortfinned Freshwater Eels belong tothe Anguillidae family (freshwater eels).
- Wild Caught
- Farmed
Location
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
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.
Fishing Methods
Fishing Methods
Pots & Traps
Fishing Season
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JAN
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FEB
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MAR
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APR
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MAY
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JUN
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JUL
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AUG
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SEP
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OCT
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NOV
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DEC
Nutrition
Source: Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), Thiamin (Vitamin B1), Vitamin B6, Iodine, Phosphorus, Zinc, Potassium
Good Source: Niacin (Vitamin B3), Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Selenium
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.
Did you know?
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 years (earlier then Longfinned eels) and the migrate to the sea to breed. The migrant eels have a high fat content. They are thought to spawn northeast of Samoa.
Cooking Tips
Eels are often smoked, and available as either fillets or pieces.