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Lab Notes: Eel sex ball

November 4, 2026 · 11 min

Show notes

We don't know a lot about deep-sea eels, so when 2.8 million of them are found in the same place every year, scientists (and science reporters) get excited.

Why are they there? Where are they coming from, and why should we care about these creatures from the depths?

Jonathan Webb dives into this world of eels off the coast of Tasmania with environment reporter Peter de Kruijff.

You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more.

Get in touch with us: [email protected]

Featuring:

  • Peter de Kruijff, environment reporter

Further information:

This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal, Ngunnawal and Ngambri people.

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