African Mottled Eel
Name
African Mottled Eel
Identification
All the Eel species have long, muscular, snake like bodies with long anal and dorsal fins that meet at the back to form the tail of this fish. The dorsal fin is longer than the anal fin. These fish do have scales but they are very small and difficult to see with the naked eye. To distinguish between the four eel species found in our water one needs to look at the origin of the dorsal and anal fins.
The African Mottled Eel: The dorsal fin starts closer to the anus than to the gills, and the distance between the start of the dorsal and anal fins are between 7% to 14% of the total length of the fins. The colour of the eel is yellowish to brownish with dark brown to black mottled spots. These eels can grow up to 1.5m with a weight of up to 21kg.
How to locate
Always look for structure like rock with hiding places, tree stumps, weeds and reeds etc. Found in most of the local river systems.
Baits to use
All meaty baits should work well, baits such as worms, fish fillets, fish head and general baits that are used for barbel will also work.
Tackle to use
Heavy tackle with thick line, because this fish will wrap itself around any obstruction in the water to avoid being caught.