African Shortfin Eel
The African Shortfin Eel turns up in South Africa's east-flowing rivers from the Eastern Cape northward, sharing water with three other anguillid species.
It's a legitimate target for anglers who fish at night with bait, and it holds cultural and subsistence value in many rural communities along the eastern seaboard. Less commonly targeted than the African Longfin Eel, but present and catchable.
Scientific Name: Anguilla bicolor
Also known as Shortfin eel, Kortvin-paling
- Cylindrical, snake-like body with a continuous dorsal-to-caudal-to-anal fin running most of the body length; no separate tail fin.
- Shorter dorsal fin origin relative to the anal fin — the key visual difference from the African Longfin Eel, which has a noticeably longer dorsal fin.
- Coloration ranges from dark olive-brown to grey on the back, fading to pale or yellowish on the belly; juveniles (yellow eels) are more vividly patterned.
- Common length around 65 cm; can reach 123 cm and up to 20 years old — a large specimen is a serious fish.
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Native to South Africa's east-flowing river systems; found from estuaries up into high-altitude streams, covering a wide elevation range within the same catchment.
- Occurs alongside A. mossambica, A. marmorata, and A. bengalensis in eastern and southeastern river systems, including rivers of the Eastern Cape.
- Uses estuaries as juveniles (glass eels and elvers) before moving upstream into freshwater, where yellow eels can remain for many years.
- Tolerates a range of freshwater habitats — rivers, streams, pools, and slow backwaters — as well as brackish estuarine zones during migration phases.
Key Locations
- Eastern Cape river systems — multiple east-flowing catchments hold shortfin eels alongside other anguillid species.
- KwaZulu-Natal coastal rivers — east-flowing systems from estuaries to upland reaches are within the species' documented range.
- Estuaries along the eastern seaboard — important habitat for juvenile eels entering freshwater and for silver eels migrating seaward.
Specific Spots
- Deep river pools with undercut banks or submerged rock provide daytime cover; eels rest here and feed after dark.
- Rocky substrate and boulder fields give eels crevices to wedge into — work bait tight to the structure rather than in open water.
- Estuarine channels and tidal reaches hold juveniles and migrating silver eels; fish the deeper edges where current slows.
- Below natural barriers like waterfalls, eels can concentrate during upstream migration — worth targeting during elver run periods.
African Shortfin Eel FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for African Shortfin Eel?
Earthworms are the go-to bait, easy to source, effective, and hard to beat for eels across all size classes. Cut fish or whole small fish (presented dead on the bottom) work well, especially for larger eels that key on fish prey.
When is the best time to fish for African Shortfin Eel?
Warmer months (roughly October–April) see increased feeding activity as water temperatures rise, making this the most productive window. Cooler winter months (May–August) eels become less active and tend to hold in deeper pools, fishing slows but doesn't stop entirely.
How do you catch African Shortfin Eel?
Most anglers targeting eels in South Africa fish from the bank at night, presenting natural bait hard on the bottom near structure such as rocks, undercut banks, or submerged timber. Patience is the main requirement, eels feed slowly and deliberately, and a long soak often outperforms active searching.
What do African Shortfin Eel eat?
Eels eat invertebrates, crustaceans, smaller fish, and carrion, a wide-ranging diet that makes natural baits like earthworms, cut fish, or prawns the most reliable choice.
Where do African Shortfin Eel live?
Native to South Africa's east-flowing river systems; found from estuaries up into high-altitude streams, covering a wide elevation range within the same catchment. Occurs alongside A. mossambica, A. marmorata, and A. bengalensis in eastern and southeastern river systems, including rivers of the Eastern Cape.
See it in the app
Most maps show you water.
onWater shows you African Shortfin Eel.
- 01 · Species map filter
Map every African Shortfin Eel water
Pick African Shortfin Eel and the map zeroes in on the waters they call home. No more guessing which lake holds them.
- 02 · Waterbody species
Tap any water. See what lives there.
Species, behavior and seasonal patterns for every lake, river and pond, before you leave the driveway.
- 03 · Angler Intelligence
Ask how to catch African Shortfin Eel
Tactics, gear and timing from onWater's AI fishing guide, tuned to the species and the water you're on.
Stop guessing where African Shortfin Eel are.
Open the map, filter by African Shortfin Eel, and head to water that holds them. Download onWater and plan your next trip in minutes.
- Species map filter
- Angler Intelligence
- Fishing journal
Explore other species
Trout, bass, salmon, panfish and everything in between. Each guide unpacks the behavior, seasons, and tactics that put fish in the net.
No species information available.
Smarter Fishing Starts in the App.
onWater Fish gives you everything you need to plan smarter, fish better, and own every trip from first cast to last.