Fire Eel - Mastacembelus erythrotaenia - Medium
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Details
The Fire Eel (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia) is one of the largest spiny eels. It has a brown/black elongated body with a pointed snout and is marked with bright orange to red horizontal broken lines and spots. Its dorsal and anal fins have orange to red margins.
Freshwater eels are generally bottom dwellers that will often bury in the substrate or hide in crevices and caves. They feed on worms, insect larvae, crustaceans, fish, and sometimes plant matter. Provide small grain, smooth gravel or sand so that the fish can burrow safely, as well as tubes or rock crevices for hiding places. These fish are peaceful when kept with large tankmates, but will often consume small fish.
These eels feed primarily on insect larvae, worms, and occasionally, plant material in their natural habitat. In the aquarium, they can be fed most sinking pellets and other meaty foods. When they grow larger, they will eat small fish, so be sure that any fish kept with the eel are too large to swallow.
Freshwater eels do have an escape risk; keep a tightly-fitting lid on the tank to keep the eels in the aquarium. Most species are nocturnal and will hide for most of the day, becoming more active at night.
Specifications
Specifications | |
MPN | 0331-eel2 |
Manufacturer | That Fish Place |
Common Name | Fire Eel - Medium |
Scientific Name | Mastacembelus erythrotaenia |
Origin | Southeast Asia |
Max Size (in inches) | 40 |
Community Safe | Yes, with caution |
pH Range | 6.0-8.0 |
Diet | Omnivore |
Min Tank Size (in gallons) | 100 |
Temperature Range | 74-82 |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Internal Id | 36374 |
State Restrictions |
Alaska |
Armed Forces Americas |
Armed Forces Europe |
Armed Forces Pacific |
California |
Hawaii |
Puerto Rico |
Instructions
Ratings & Reviews
1 review
Best Fish
by Adrian
The Fire Eel isn't for everyone-- and they can be a handful to feed, but for those daring enough to hold live worms and feed them by hand, they are a wonderful addition to the tank. Mine is very peaceful and friendly-- often saying hello to myself and never harassing the smaller fish, though as he only prefers to eat live worms, food can be problematic.
This is not a great fish for beginners in the least-- and you will really need to be ready for their growth rate (10" long to about 16" long in less than a year).