Fishby LogoFishby

Short-finned Eel and Similar Species

Anguilla australis

Got a photo? Identify fish instantly with the Fishby app.

Open the app

Several fish can be confused with Short-finned Eel. Here are the key differences.

Species often confused with {name}

Long-finned Eel

Anguilla reinhardtii

Key differences: The dorsal fin of Anguilla reinhardtii originates much further forward, closer to the gill opening than to the anus. It also typically grows larger and has a more mottled or marbled coloration.

New Zealand Longfin Eel

Anguilla dieffenbachii

Key differences: Found only in New Zealand. Its dorsal fin also originates further forward than A. australis, and it can reach much larger sizes. The pectoral fin is also typically longer than the head in A. dieffenbachii, whereas it is shorter than the head in A. australis.

Explore Short-finned Eel

Identify fish anywhere

Free on iOS, Android, and Web. Photo identification, full species details, and more.

Open in app