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African mottled eel

Anguilla labiata

African mottled eel© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The African mottled eel (Anguilla labiata) is a large, catadromous eel prized by anglers for its elusive nature and strong, twisting fight. It can grow up to 175 cm, inhabiting marine, brackish and freshwater systems throughout West and Central Africa. Its nocturnal feeding habits and seasonal migrations make it a sought‑after game fish.

Fight
Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Anguillidae

Max Size

175 cm

Max Weight

20.6 kg

Habitat

marine, freshwater, brackish

Climate

tropical

Best Season

Wet season (May–October) when eels move upstream for spawning

Best Time

Dusk to night (especially around high tide)

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for African mottled eel

  • Use a strong, fast‑action rod around 2.1‑2.4 m (7‑8 ft) with a sensitive tip for feeling subtle bites
  • Employ a 10‑20 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon line with a sturdy fluorocarbon leader
  • Present live bait such as small fish, shrimp or eels on a slip‑sinker rig, or use a heavy jig tipped with bait
  • Fish near river mouths, estuary channels and submerged structures during high tide and let the lure sit on the bottom before retrieving

Top Fishing Locations for African mottled eel

Rufiji River Delta

Tanzania
intermediate45% Occasional

Rich mangrove estuary where African mottled eels migrate during the rainy season, offering productive night-time drift fishing.

Best: March-May

Niger Delta

Nigeria
beginner55% Common

Extensive network of tidal channels and lagoons supporting high eel densities; best fished from small craft during low tide.

Best: November-February

Volta River (Akosombo)

Ghana
intermediate50% Common

Deep pool below the Akosombo Dam where eels congregate during downstream migration; accessible via local guides.

Best: June-August

expert30% Occasional

Remote estuarine mouth with strong currents; requires experienced navigation but yields large numbers of mottled eels during peak flow.

Best: September-November

Zambezi River Delta

Mozambique
intermediate40% Occasional

Brackish delta channels host seasonal eel runs; best accessed by guided boat trips in early wet season.

Best: February-April

Lake Tanganyika (Kigoma)

Tanzania
beginner35% Occasional

Shallow nearshore zones near Kigoma harbor dense eel populations during their spawning migration; easy to reach from town.

Best: October-December

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for African mottled eel

Recommended Equipment

RodMedium‑heavy spinning or bait‑casting rod, 7‑8 ft, fast action
Line10‑20 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeHeavy jig or spoon, 30‑60 g, or live bait on a slip‑sinker rig
TechniqueBottom/ night drifting with slip‑sinker rig, allowing bait to rest on the bottom

Best bait: Live shrimp, small fish, or cut bait