Native freshwater eels

Australian longfin eel swimming in a creek

Moreton Bay is home to 2 species of native eels, the common longfin eel and the shortfin eel. They play an important role in our freshwater ecosystems.

Council does not cull or remove eels from controlled waterbodies. They are a significant predator and help regulate the populations of other species such as:

  • insects
  • fish
  • yabbies
  • shrimps
  • frogs
  • waterfowl.

Fishing for native eels

To protect native eels, residents must check the rules for recreational fishing in fresh bodies of water. Fishing is not allowed in Council-controlled waterbodies where 'no fishing' signs are present.

For more information, refer to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries.

The department permits recreational eel fishing. It limits catches to 10 in total and the eel must be at least 30 centimetres long. 

Feeding native eels

Do not attempt to feed native eels or other species. This causes a nuisance to residents and harms species within the ecosystem. For more information, refer to Wildlife feeding.

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