Short-finned Eel
The short-finned eel (tuna) is a native catadromous fish that forms the backbone of New Zealand's commercial eel fishery and holds deep cultural significance for Māori.
Anglers encounter it throughout lowland lakes, wetlands, and coastal streams from Northland to Stewart Island. Tougher and more tolerant than its longfin cousin, it's the eel most likely to turn up on a hook in slow, warm, or degraded water.
Scientific Name: Anguilla australis
Also known as Shortfin eel, tuna
- Olive-green to light brown above with a pale, often silvery belly — no distinct markings; occasional golden or yellowish individuals exist.
- Dorsal and anal fins are roughly equal in length, with their rear ends nearly level when viewed side-on — the key visual difference from the longfin eel.
- Snakelike, tubular body with a small head; jaws reach back to below the eye or slightly further.
- Common fish run 45–65 cm; large females can reach around 1.1 m and 3 kg, though most rod-caught fish are considerably smaller.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to New Zealand and also found in Australia and parts of the South Pacific — not endemic like the longfin eel.
- Found throughout New Zealand including the Chatham Islands and Stewart Island, but concentrated at lower elevations and closer to the coast than longfin eels.
- Favours lowland lakes, wetlands, slow-moving streams, and estuaries — the most tolerant native freshwater fish in the country, surviving warm water and low oxygen where other species can't.
- Young eels can climb waterfalls and obstacles to reach inland habitat, but adults are rarely found as far upstream as longfins.
Key Locations
- Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora), Canterbury — historically significant for both commercial and customary eel fishing; subject to specific management measures.
- Lowland lakes and wetlands of the Waikato and Northland regions — shortfins are very numerous in these slow, warm systems.
- Coastal streams and estuaries throughout both islands — shortfins are consistently found wherever slow water meets the coast.
- Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands — shortfins extend to these outlying islands, unlike many other native freshwater fish.
Specific Spots
- Under cut banks, submerged logs, and boulders during daylight — eels use cover to rest and ambush passing food.
- Weed edges and reed margins in lowland lakes and wetlands, where invertebrates and small fish concentrate.
- Slow pools and backwaters in coastal streams, especially where woody debris or rock provides overhead shelter.
- Estuarine margins and tidal reaches — shortfins tolerate brackish water and are often found closer to the sea than longfins.
Short-finned Eel FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Short-finned Eel?
Earthworms are the go-to bait, widely available, easy to rig, and effective anywhere shortfins are found. Fresh-cut fish, raw meat, liver, or fish offal all work well; the stronger the scent, the better for night fishing when eels are actively hunting by smell.
When is the best time to fish for Short-finned Eel?
Summer and autumn (December–April), warm water temperatures increase feeding activity and eels are most catchable in the shallows at night. Winter (June–August), eels become less active in cold water but can still be caught, particularly in the warmer lowland lakes of the North Island.
How do you catch Short-finned Eel?
Most anglers fish for shortfin eels after dark from the bank, using bait on a ledger rig cast to likely structure, undercut banks, weed edges, or submerged timber. Daytime fishing is possible but slow; patience after sunset is the most reliable approach.
What do Short-finned Eel eat?
Eels eat invertebrates, worms, freshwater crayfish (kōura), small fish, and carrion, anything edible that comes within range after dark. Worms and fresh-cut bait fished on the bottom directly imitate this scavenging habit.
Where do Short-finned Eel live?
Native to New Zealand and also found in Australia and parts of the South Pacific, not endemic like the longfin eel. Found throughout New Zealand including the Chatham Islands and Stewart Island, but concentrated at lower elevations and closer to the coast than longfin eels.
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