Story: Eels

Elvers, Karāpiro spillway

Elvers, Karāpiro spillway

Once glass eels enter fresh water they become darker, and are known as elvers. They swim upriver to find a home in a river, stream, lake or pond. Waterfalls and rapids are no barrier – elvers have a remarkable climbing ability and can even ascend the walls of some hydroelectric dams. In many places ‘eel passes’ have been built to help them get through.

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Department of Conservation
Reference: 10053119
Photograph by Theo Stephens

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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/10127/elvers-karapiro-spillway (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Paddy Ryan, published 24 Sep 2007