New Zealand Longfin Eels - in their natural environment

New Zealand Longfin Eels (Anguilla dieffenbachii) - in their natural environment. The largest fresh-water eels in New Zealand.
South Island, New Zealand, December 2016.
These ones range in size from about 3 lbs to about 20 lbs (in old money). I have seen some up to about 30-40 lbs (20 kgs), and they reportedly can grow to over 100 lbs, and live for over 100 years.
Recorded at 4k resolution.

[@anguilla12]

don't know why but these fellas have a soft spot in my heart. Love how they're all just bonking into the camera lol

[@DiarmuidNZ]

Wonderful creatures and very well behaved. They do appear to have poor eyesight and rely greatly on their sense of smell.

[@KevinBelcher]

Massive eels "thanks for sharing".

[@DiarmuidNZ]

Thanks man: there are much bigger ones out there, but they deserve to be left in peace. They are actually very well behaved creatures: cautious, courteous, but never afraid and never threatening.

[@mervyn-xd4sw]

We have eels at the back of home they are like our pets

[@DiarmuidNZ]

Yes indeed Mervyn, they are wonderful creatures, very well behaved, very polite when you hand-feed them and very trusting when you treat them kindly.

[@mauricebrown9094]

There bloody good eats too.. a good place to rid of those fish carcasses you have laying in the freezer...Thank you for sharing . Looking forward to another year of your great video's pal...Merry Christmas & a Happy and safe New Year...

[@DiarmuidNZ]

Thanks man: yes, I have feasted on eels since I was a pup, and still catch a few occasionally to eat. I do throw them some fish-carcasses (butterfish/moki) and occasionally hand-feed them. It's a fine balance regarding looking after the wildlife and living off the land. I reckon I've struck a reasonable balance, with due respect.

[@vincentadventures9639]

great video!

[@DiarmuidNZ]

Thanks Vincent: glad you appreciated it.

[@sonyenchannel52]

good job

[@LoneWolf-ki5ee]

hope you are well all the best.can you tell what keeps you going:)

[@DiarmuidNZ]

Thanks man: the world is awash with amazing critters, and ripe for astounding experiences. Fully-appreciating what is around you, and what you already have, makes even the most mundane activity ring like a well-tuned bell.

[@AcsTeammudahandapat]

Do ngeng longvin

[@davidphanh]

Where's your salmon videos?

[@suzannemitchell9150]

Hi there, I'm making a short video about eels and conservation effort. Wondering if it would be possible to use a snippet from your video?

[@DiarmuidNZ]

Hello Suzanne, there is a business contact option in youtube, with an email address.

[@noe_rp_ala3727]

That isn't eel, they are fish.. Cause they had pectoral fin.. The different between fish and eel is their fin (pectoral fin), eel hasn't that.. Example : moray eel 😁 In Indonesia they called "sidat" , yash that sidat fish..

[@DiarmuidNZ]

Checkout wikipedia: an 'eel' is a type of 'fish' and can have pectoral fins - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eel

[@theohc4593]

nice

[@DiarmuidNZ]

Thanks Theo; glad you appreciated it.

[@sliprytrout2926]

are they native?

[@DiarmuidNZ]

Yes.