African Longfin Eel
The African longfin eel is a native freshwater species found across South Africa's eastern and southern river systems, from the Eastern Cape to KwaZulu-Natal and the Western Cape.
It's a genuine game fish — rod-and-reel records from Roodeplaat Reservoir and the Witte River confirm that — and one that rewards patient, targeted fishing.
Anglers pursue it for its size, its nocturnal fight, and its reputation as excellent eating when smoked.
Scientific Name: Anguilla mossambica
Also known as Longfin eel, Paling (Afrikaans)
- Long, snake-like body with a continuous dorsal-anal fin running most of its length; olive-brown to dark grey above, paler below.
- Distinguished from the shortfin eel by the dorsal fin starting well ahead of the anal fin — the 'longfin' name refers to this extended fin run.
- Females grow larger than males; females reach around 120 cm, males up to 150 cm, with rod-and-reel fish recorded to 5.38 kg at Roodeplaat Reservoir.
- Breeding adults develop enlarged eyes and shift to a silvery coloration before migrating to sea.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to South Africa — most common in Eastern Cape river systems, and also present in KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape (including the Breede and Molweni catchments), and Lesotho and Eswatini border drainages.
- Spends the bulk of its life in freshwater: rivers, streams, pools, and occasionally bogs and wetlands, before migrating to the Western Indian Ocean to spawn.
- In South African rivers, telemetry work shows eels using deep pools in winter and spring, then moving to glides and moderate runs in summer and autumn.
- Elvers climb waterfalls and dam walls at night to colonise headwaters — this species reaches surprisingly far inland.
Key Locations
- Roodeplaat Reservoir, Gauteng — holds the South African rod-and-reel weight record of 5.38 kg.
- Witte River, Western Cape — documented rod-and-reel catches on record.
- Breede River, Western Cape — local anglers actively target eels in deep rocky pools along this system.
- Molweni River and Kloof area, KwaZulu-Natal — well-known resident eels, including long-established individuals in Memorial Park pools.
- Eastern Cape river systems — described as the most common anguillid catchment in South Africa, with survey records from the Keiskamma River.
Specific Spots
- Deep pools with rocky undercut banks or large boulders — eels rest under structure during daylight and hunt the edges after dark.
- The downstream tail of a pool where a fast run enters — the current concentrates food and eels hold in the calmer water just off the flow.
- Submerged timber, rock ledges, and any dark cavity; eels are strongly cover-oriented and rarely hold in open water.
- In reservoirs like Roodeplaat, focus on deep rocky points and submerged structure rather than open flats.
African Longfin Eel FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for African Longfin Eel?
Dead fish baits, whole small fish or cut fillets, are the go-to, fished on the bottom near structure after dark; fresh bait outperforms stale. Worms, prawns, and chicken offal (liver or intestines) all work; the key is a strong scent trail in slow or still water near a rocky lie.
When is the best time to fish for African Longfin Eel?
Summer and autumn (November–April), eels move into faster glides and runs and feed more actively as water temperatures rise; generally the most productive period.
How do you catch African Longfin Eel?
Most South African eel fishing is done from the bank at night, with a bottom bait, dead fish or offal, placed tight to rocky structure or in the deepest part of a pool. Patience is the method: set the bait, wait for a run, and be ready to apply pressure before the eel reaches its hole.
What do African Longfin Eel eat?
Primarily fish and crabs, plus carrion, eels will take a dead bait as readily as a live one, which makes whole fish, fish fillets, and chicken offal effective bottom baits. Crabs and invertebrates round out the diet; worm or prawn baits fished on the bottom near structure produce well, especially at night.
Where do African Longfin Eel live?
Native to South Africa, most common in Eastern Cape river systems, and also present in KwaZulu-Natal, the Western Cape (including the Breede and Molweni catchments), and Lesotho and Eswatini border drainages.
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