This project honours the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways of the Merri Merri, and recognises their continuing connection to Country.

Short-finned Eel

Anguilla australis

Iuk

Short-finned Eel
Photo: lcolmer, CC BY-NC, via iNaturalist

The species that names the season. Short-finned eels spend up to twenty years in freshwater before transforming into silver eels and beginning their long migration to the Coral Sea to spawn. They travel downstream through the Merri in autumn—a journey of thousands of kilometres. For Wurundjeri people, iuk are sacred spiritual protectors and a precious food source.

Climate context

Migration triggered by falling water temperatures—peak activity at 14–15°C. Also responds to high water flows and dark moon phases.

Seasonal indicator

  • Migration during Iuk (Eel season).

When to look

J F M A M J J A S O N D

Monthly migration observations in Victoria. Data from iNaturalist.

View on Atlas of Living Australia →

Where to look

Fawkner Coburg Lake CERES Dights Falls 8 observations

Observations along the Merri Creek corridor (Fawkner to Dights Falls). Data from iNaturalist.