The two main species of freshwater eel found in New Zealand are the longfin eel (Anguilla dieffenbachii) and the shortfin eel (Anguilla australis).
Are there eels in New Zealand?
Habitat. Longfin eels can be found throughout New Zealand. They live mainly in rivers and inland lakes but can be found in almost all types of waters, usually well inland from the coast. They are legendary climbers and have made their way well inland in most river systems, even those with natural barriers.
How many species of eel are there in NZ?
Biophysical science currently recognises three eel species that occur in New Zealand – the endemic longfin (Anguilla dieffenbachii), the shortfin (Anguilla australis) and the Australian longfin (Anguilla reinhardtii).
Are New Zealand eels poisonous?
The blood of the Longfin Eel is toxic. A small amount of blood splashed onto your hands and then transferred to your eyes or nose will cause swelling that lasts for days. Small animals like dogs and cats can be killed by just ingesting a small amount of their blood.
What is the biggest eel caught in New Zealand?
longfin eel
The largest recorded longfin eel is a 24-kilo specimen taken from Lake Waihola, south of Dunedin, in 1974. At Lake Ellesmere (Te Waihora) in Canterbury, shortfin eels longer than 50 centimetres increasingly become fish-eaters, preying on cockabullies and smelt.
How big are New Zealand eels?
Males average 66.6 cm but reach up to 73.5 cm in length, with an average age of 23 years (12–35 years). Females are considerably larger, ranging from 73–156 cm with an average length of 115 cm. Females attain an age of 20 to 60 years before migrating to sea to breed.
Are there moray eels in New Zealand?
The yellow moray (Gymnothorax prasinus) is a moray eel of the genus Gymnothorax, found in southern Australia and between North Cape and the Māhia Peninsula on the North Island of New Zealand.
Are eels sacred to Māori?
For Māori, tuna (eels) are a taonga – an important cultural treasure. Māori have over 100 names for eels describing their different colours and sizes, and they are revered as a link to the gods. Over time, special traditions and protocols were developed around the harvest of eels.
Did Māori eat eels?
Eels were a valued food source in traditional Māori society. They were often preserved, and were then called tuna pāwhara or tuna maroke. The backbones, heads and tails were removed and the eels were hung out to dry – or partially cooked on a grating of green sticks over a fire.
Are there Conger eels in NZ?
There are two Conger species that occur in New Zealand, the Southern Conger (C. verreauxi) and the Northern Conger (C. wilsoni). The Northern Conger is restricted to New Zealand, whereas the Southern Conger occurs around both New Zealand and southern Australia.
Do NZ eels have toxic blood?
Eel blood is poisonous to humans and other mammals, but both cooking and the digestive process destroy the toxic protein.
Will eels bite humans?
“Eel attacks are quite rare. Basically, eels aren’t aggressive to humans,” he said. “If they feel trapped or if a human sticks their foot down in a hole, they may defensively bite.”
Can an eel hurt a human?
It’s rare to find documented cases that report deaths from an eel’s shock, but it can happen. An adult eel can produce a lethal 600 volts of electrical energy, which is enough to kill you or, if you live, leave you incapacitated for years.
How poisonous are eels?
Raw eel can be lethal
According to Boston.com, eels have poisonous blood that contains a toxic protein that makes muscles (like the heart) cramp, which is why raw eel should never be eaten under any circumstance.
What is the biggest eel on Earth?
European conger
The European conger (Conger conger) is a species of conger of the family Congridae. It is the heaviest eel in the world and native to the northeast Atlantic, including the Mediterranean Sea.
Do fresh water eels bite?
Although they do bite, eels are nonvenomous and put up an impressive battle when hooked. To catch them, rig as you would when bottom-fishing for catfish, bait your hook with a gob of night crawlers, then let your rig swing tight in the current.
Will a moray eel hurt you?
Moray eels aren’t poisonous — the most common complication from a moray eel bite is infection. More serious bites may require stitches, and some can cause long-term injury like the loss of a digit or body part. Try to avoid spending too much time near known eel habitats and keep your distance if you spot one.
Are moray eels aggressive?
With rows of sharp, dangerous teeth and a snake-like body with an elusive lifestyle, the sometimes shy moray eels are one of the coral reefs’ most effective predators. As menacing as they appear, moray eels are not considered aggressive but have been known to defend their lairs by quickly biting any perceived danger.
Are moray eels friendly to humans?
While moray eels can be unpredictable and aggressive, they are rarely attack people. When they do, however, they can do some damage because, like a pit bull, they don’t like to let go.
What do Māori call eels?
Tuna
*Tuna is a generic Māori word for freshwater eels; however, but there are a multitude of names that relate variously to tribal origins, appearance, coloration, season of the year, eel size, eel behavior, locality, and capture method. Tuna are arguably one of the most important mahinga kai resources for Māori.
What is disrespectful in Māori culture?
It is often considered impolite to ask a direct question about someone’s salary, wealth, weight or age. Spitting in public is considered rude. Calling someone over by yelling “Oi” can be interpreted as rude or even antagonising. To call over a waiter or person of service, do not wave or yell.