Short-Finned Eel

Anguilla australis is a southern hemisphere Anguilla species found in rivers and lakes across southeastern Australia, New Zealand, and many Pacific island groups. Like all members of its genus it is catadromous, spending its freshwater juvenile phase for many years in cool, clear rivers before migrating to spawn in the Coral Sea region.

In the aquarium this species is best suited to an unheated setup or a system maintained at cool temperate temperatures between 10 and 22°C. It is remarkably hardy and long-lived under appropriate conditions, with captive specimens potentially surviving for many decades. A tight-fitting lid and sealed pipework are non-negotiable.

All meaty foods are enthusiastically accepted including earthworms, prawns, mussel, and frozen fish flesh. This species is thoroughly predatory and should not be kept with any fish or invertebrate small enough to be overpowered. A species-only setup is the safest and most practical approach.

Water: Soft to moderately hard, pH 6.5–8.0, temperature 10–22°C, GH 5–18, KH 3–12. Tank: Minimum 400 L, completely sealed, cool temperate, strong filtration. Feeding: Carnivore; earthworms, prawns, mussel, silverside, and frozen fish flesh. Breeding: Cannot be bred in captivity; Coral Sea spawner. Compatibility: Species tank only; will consume any smaller fish or invertebrate.