Fire eel

Mastacembelus erythrotaenia

A long dark brown fish with red-orange lines that break into rear spots.

A long dark brown fish with red-orange lines that break into rear spots, a pointed rostrum and small pectoral fins.

Natural habitat: Inhabits slow rivers and inundated plains on lowland floodplains.

Appearance and identification

Peacock eel has rear dorsal eyespots rather than red-orange lines and spots.

Often hides by day; conspecific aggression can occur.

Reaches 100 cm SL. Secure cover, soft sand, refuges and large facilities are essential.

Offer appropriately sized animal foods such as shrimp, fish and worms. Small fish may be eaten.

Burrowing and the large body can disturb planting. Retain sand, shelter and clear movement space.

Sources