The New Zealand longfin eel is one of three freshwater eels found in New Zealand. The other two are the short-finned eel and the speckled longfin eel.
Image Credit: Daniel Huertas/Icon Films
One of the largest freshwater eels in the world, the New Zealand longfin eel gets its name from having a dorsal fin (top fin) that's longer than its ventral fin (bottom fin).
Image Credit: Daniel Huertas/Icon Films
Longfin eels have been around for at least 65 million years, making their home in the inland rivers, lakes and other fresh waters of New Zealand. The island's namesake longfin eel has the slowest growth rate of all eel species; one female is recorded to have lived to 106 years old!
Image Credit: Daniel Huertas/Icon Films
Longfin eels only breed once, at the end of their lives. They swim nearly 5,000 miles from New Zealand to the Pacific Ocean — an epic journey for an eel — to mate. Their larvae reach New Zealand by drifting on ocean currents.
Image Credit: Daniel Huertas/Icon Films
As longfin eels prepare to migrate, their heads becomes more slender and the eyes expand to nearly twice their normal size.
Image Credit: Daniel Huertas/Icon Films
New Zealand longfin eels can usually be found well inland from the coast. Known for their superior "climbing" ability, young longfin eels can wiggle up waterfalls and dams.
Image Credit: Daniel Huertas/Icon Films
Longfin eels appear to be scaleless, but they actually have small scales embedded deep into their thick skin.
More Killer Fish Photos | About the New Zealand Longfin Eel | Bitten by Flesh-Ripping Eels (video) | How to Catch a Longfin Eel (video) | Catching the Flesh Ripper (video) | Eels Devour Deer Carcass (video) | The Longfin Eel Migration (video) | Longfin Eels: Maneaters? (video)
Image Credit: Daniel Huertas/Icon Films
