Australian short finned eel (Anguilla australis) is found in south eastern Australia. This is also found in many of the South Pacific islands including New Zealand, New Caledonia and even Tahiti which is rather far to the east. These eels can reach lengths of 36 to 44 inches. This species was and still is a favorite for human consumption.

The Anguilla genus of freshwater eels contains about 15 species. There are several species that are prized for human food. The American eel (Anguilla rostrata) is a favorite food. The European eel (Anguilla anguilla) can grow to about 18 inches in length. The Japanese eel (Anguilla japonica) is also prized for human food. The typical life history begins in the sea where the larvae drift until the get near coastal waters. Then they migrate upstream into freshwater. Sometimes it takes from 14 to 28 years to reach maturity, at which time they return to the sea.

There are about 15 species in the freshwater eel family. Most of the species are prized as human food. The European and American eel both breed in the Atlantic Ocean in deep water north of the Sargasso Sea. The tiny young hatch and swim towards their respective land masses. Most of these two species spend their adult lives near the mouths of freshwater rivers, but some examples will travel far upstream.

The Indian eel (Phisodnopsis boros) is also prized for food.

Eels, Order Anguilliformes, includes mmostly marine animals with long narrow bodies. Most species have pectoral fins, but lack pelvic fins. Several species breed near Cuba and migrate to freshwater rivers worldwide to reach full size. There are about 450 species divided into about 20 different families.

Bony fish, Class Teleostomi, are a class of chordates that include the majority of fish-like animals found on earth. They are characterized by a bony jaw and a bony skeleton. They are found in both fresh and marine waters.

Backboned Animals (Phylum Chordata) are the most advanced group of animals on earth. These animals are characterized by having a spinal cord or backbone. Most members have a clearly defined brain that controls the organism through a spinal cord. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals are in this phylum.

Currently, some taxonomists believe that the fish should be divided into two groups (sharks and regular fishes) and that there are some other primitive groups in the phylum such as hagfish or lampreys.

Animal Kingdom contains numerous organisms that feed on other animals or plants. Included in the animal kingdom are the lower marine invertebrates such as sponges and corals, the jointed legged animals such as insects and spiders, and the backboned animals such as fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

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