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Diadromous Endangered 🍽️ Edible 🌡️ Subtropical

New Zealand longfin eel

Anguilla dieffenbachii Gray, 1842
Max Length
185 cm
Max Weight
25.0 kg
Lifespan
-
Trophic Level
4.5
Depth
-
Climate
Subtropical
Resilience
Very low
Vulnerability
89.00/100
Typical Length
60 cm
Depth Zone
demersal

📖 Overview

Commonly found in lakes and rivers . Inhabits stony rivers . Migrates to the sea to breed. Oviparous . Marketed fresh, smoked and frozen; eaten fried and broiled . Reports of reaching up to 2 meters and 50 kilograms are rare and more common historically; in recent times, only a few exceed 120 cm TL .

Scientific Name
Anguilla dieffenbachii
Authority
Gray, 1842
Habitat
Diadromous
Climate
Subtropical
IUCN Status
EN
Max Length
185 cm
Max Weight
25 kg
Trophic Level
4.5
Resilience
Very low
Vulnerability
89.00/100
Migration
Catadromous
Salinity
30–40 ppt

🐟 Physical Description

: eel-like.

🌀 Behaviour

Behavioural data for New Zealand longfin eel is currently being reviewed.

🦐 Diet

small fish
crustaceans
cephalopods

🥚 Reproduction

🐣 Oviparous

Semelparous. Oviparous .

🌍 Habitat & Distribution

Marine; freshwater; brackish; demersal; catadromous . Subtropical; 34°S - 47°S Southwest Pacific: endemic to New Zealand.

🌿 Ecology

Zone Preferences
🌊 Marine 💧 Freshwater 🌿 Brackish ⬇️ Benthic
Migration
Catadromous
Trophic Level
4.5±0.5

📐 Morphometrics

Length–Weight Relationship: W = 0.00093 × L3.2 (TL)
Max TL
185cm
Max Weight
25,000g

🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance

Salinity Range
30–40ppt

🛡️ Conservation Assessment

IUCN Category
Endangered
Assessment Date
2018

📊 Population Risk & Fisheries

Population Resilience
Very low
Minimum doubling time
Fishing Vulnerability
89.00/100
Very High vulnerability
Trophic Level
4.5
Apex / Top predator
Climate Zone
Subtropical
Described By
Gray, 1842

🍽️ Edibility & Flavour

"Anguilla Dieffenbachii is an edible species."

✗ Not for Raw
✓ Fresh Indicators
  • Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
  • Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
  • Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
  • Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
  • Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
✗ Avoid If
  • Cloudy or sunken eyes
  • Strong fishy or ammonia odour
  • Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
  • Discoloured or dry flesh
Best Cooking Methods
Baking Grilling Pan-frying

⚡ Nutrition

Detailed nutritional data for New Zealand longfin eel is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.

🔬 Mercury Safety

Mercury data for New Zealand longfin eel has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.

🌿 Sustainability

Best Choice
Healthy stocks, low impact
Good Alternative
Well-managed, minor concerns
Use Caution
Check sourcing and season
Avoid
Overfished or high impact

🔬 Full Nutritional Profile

Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)

Proximate Composition
Energy125 kcal
Moisture75 %
Protein20 %
Total Fat4 %
Ash1.3 %
Fatty Acids (g)
Saturated Fat1 g
Monounsaturated Fat1.2 g
Polyunsaturated Fat1.5 g
Omega-3 Total1 g
EPA0.3 g
DHA0.5 g
Omega-6 Total0.3 g
Key Minerals & Vitamins
Calcium20 mg
Iron0.7 mg
Magnesium30 mg
Phosphorus220 mg
Potassium380 mg
Sodium55 mg
Zinc0.5 mg
Selenium32 µg
Vitamin B122 µg

📊 Population Dynamics

Year Region Index Notes
- - -

👥 Community & Contribute

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