Story: Eels

Glass eels

Glass eels

The young eels that arrive from the sea at river mouths are known as glass eels, because they are transparent. Between July and December each year, millions arrive after drifting and swimming thousands of kilometres from the tropics. They are typically 5.5–6.5 centimetres long.

Using this item

NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research
Photograph by Nelson Boustead

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Paddy Ryan, 'Eels - Life cycle and breeding grounds', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/10126/glass-eels (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Paddy Ryan, published 24 Sep 2007