Species Kingdom

Animalia

Species Class

Species Order

Anguilla obscura Günther, 1872

Description

Vertebrae: 102 - 108. Belongs to the group of anguillas which have a short dorsal fin which originates slightly before the anus (Ref. 48622). Most closely resembles Anguilla australis and A. bicolor, from which it can be distinguished with certainty only by the number of vertebrae. Also Ref. 2847.

Common Names

No common names available.

Taxonomic Hierarchy

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Teleostei

Order: Anguilliformes

Family: Anguillidae

Genus: Anguilla

Species: Anguilla obscura Günther, 1872

Climate Zone

Tropical

Location

Pacific Ocean: western New Guinea and Queensland, Australia to the Society Islands. A single specimen was recorded from a tributary of the Buffalo River, near King William's Town in South Africa (Ref. 3506), but this is questionable.

Biology

Inhabits freshwater streams, lakes and swamps, favouring coastal lagoons and the lower reaches of rivers. Spawning adults occur in marine waters. Sub-adults spend most of their lives in fresh or brackish waters (Ref. 44894). Found in large turbid rivers and small creeks (Ref. 2847). Occurs both in running and stagnant waters (Ref. 12790). Feeds mainly on fishes, crustaceans and mollusks.

Habitat

freshwater