© Baker, J.L. (2009) Marine Species of Conservation Concern in South Australia Full citation Baker, J.L. (2009) Marine Species of Conservation Concern in South Australia: Volume 1 - Bony and Cartilaginous Fishes. Report for the South Australian Working Group for Marine Species of Conservation Concern. J. Baker (consultant); Science and Conservation Division, and Coast and Marine Conservation branches of S.A. Department for Environment and Heritage (DEH); Marine and Coastal Community Network of S.A. (MCCN), and Threatened Species Network (TSN). Web version published by Reef Watch, South Australia.

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ANGUILLIDAE: FRESH-WATER EELS

© SeaFIC

 
The Anguillidae contains a single genus of true eels, with slender elongate bodies, no ventral fins, and a basket-work pattern of very small elliptical scales over the body (Gomon, in Gomon et al., 1994). Anguillid eels migrate as mature adults to sea, in order to spawn, after which they die. The very early developmental stages are spent in marine waters, before the juveniles enter freshwater rivers and streams (Gomon, in Gomon et al., 1994). The larvae, termed “leptocephali”, are transparent, elongate and compressed. Freshwater species have two additional pre-adult stages: the transparent, cylindrical “glass eels”, and pigmented “elvers”, which look like miniature adults. There are 21 species currently recognised in the genus Anguilla (Froese and Pauly, 2009).

All species in the genus Anguilla are important food fishes, and are sold fresh, smoked, or canned (Froese and Pauly, 2009). Anguillid eels are important in aquaculture, particularly that in which the captured juveniles (elvers) are grown out.

The Anguilla species that occurs in South Australia is discussed below, as a species of conservation concern.

Associated taxa

Short-finned Eel / Southern Shortfin Eel / Shortfin Eel / Silver Eel

Anguilla australis australis Richardson, 1841