Fire Eel (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia)
Fish in the family Mastacembelidae. Hard care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Appearance
Elongated dark brown to black eel-like body marked with brilliant red to orange longitudinal stripes and spots; pointed proboscis-like snout and a row of dorsal spines.
Difficulty and care for the Fire Eel
Hard
Origin and habitat
Southeast Asia (Mekong, Sumatra, Borneo)
Keeper notes
One of the largest spiny eels reaching 3ft; will eat any tankmate small enough to swallow including shrimp and small fish. Generally peaceful with fish too large to eat but can be territorial with its own kind. Needs a tight lid and secure escape-proof setup.
Log Fire Eel in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Fire Eel alongside everything else in your reef.