New Zealand Freshwater Fish

DSC_4533 Longfin eel, or tuna kuwharuwharu (Anguilla dieffenbachii) 'golden eel' - a bright yellow longfin measuring 780mm long, found in the wild. Endemic. Females may live to be 80+ years, growing large and heavy enough to become the 'taniwha' of maori legend. This is possibly the worlds largest freshwater eel, however a dramatic decline in water quality in many areas has resulted in the shortfin eel occupying habitat that formerly held our longfins. Typically golden eels darken with age, as can be seen around the head and lower body of this individual. Waihou River, Te Aroha *

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DSC_4533 Longfin eel, or tuna kuwharuwharu (Anguilla dieffenbachii) 'golden eel' - a bright yellow longfin measuring 780mm long, found in the wild. Endemic. Females may live to be 80+ years, growing large and heavy enough to become the 'taniwha' of maori legend. This is possibly the worlds largest freshwater eel, however a dramatic decline in water quality in many areas has resulted in the shortfin eel occupying habitat that formerly held our longfins. Typically golden eels darken with age, as can be seen around the head and lower body of this individual. Waihou River, Te Aroha *