Longfin eel and Similar Species
Anguilla dieffenbachii
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Open the appSeveral fish can be confused with Longfin eel. Here are the key differences.
Species often confused with {name}
Shortfin eel
Anguilla australis
Key differences: The dorsal fin of the Shortfin eel originates much further back, typically above or slightly behind the anal fin origin. Shortfin eels also generally have a more pointed snout and do not grow as large as Longfin eels.
Australian Longfin Eel
Anguilla reinhardtii
Key differences: While also a 'longfin' species, Anguilla reinhardtii is found in Australia and New Guinea. Its dorsal fin origin is also anterior to the anal fin, but the species can be differentiated by vertebral count and genetic analysis. In New Zealand, A. dieffenbachii is the only native longfin species.
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