Part 8/10:
The longfin eel, indigenous to New Zealand's lakes, exemplifies another extraordinary adaptation. Renowned for reaching lengths of up to two meters, these eels delay their migration to reproduce, thereby growing larger and producing more offspring. Dr. Don Jellyman's research showcases the unparalleled growth of female longfin eels, which in other parts of the world are dwarfed by their non-isolated counterparts.
The longfin eels' unique life cycle involves returning to the tropics to spawn in an enigmatic journey that has mystified scientists for years. Their adaptations to their freshwater environments have led to significant size differences between genders, adding another layer to the understanding of island gigantism.