Strange Marine
p. 15 · Read in the full issue
Creatures
THE two strange marine creatures pictured here were caught recently in fish traps at Tongatapu, Tonga’s main island.
Above is a species of eel, which is only seen in Tongatapu’s lagoon.
Known locally as “toke”, it measured 11 ft 1 in. and weighed 29i lb.
The other creature, also a species of eel, is known to the Tongans as “tuna”. It measured 5 ft 6 in. and weighed 17± lb.
It was one of the largest ever seen in Nukualofa, and was presented to King Taufa’ahau at the Royal Palace soon after the picture was taken. Such eels are thought in Tonga to breed in fresh water and reach the sea via the lagoon.
Photos: Courtesy of Tonga Govern ment Printer.