Story: Eels

Shortfinned and longfinned

Shortfinned and longfinned

Shortfinned (top) and longfinned (bottom) eels closely resemble each other. Shortfinned eels are so named because their dorsal fin extends only half the length of their back. The dorsal fin of longfinned eels typically extends two-thirds the length of their back.

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Natural Sciences Image Library of New Zealand
Reference: DSCF1037 (top); DSCF1122Smd (bottom)
Photographs by Peter E. Smith

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How to cite this page:

Paddy Ryan, 'Eels - New Zealand eels', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10107/shortfinned-and-longfinned (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Paddy Ryan, published 24 Sep 2007