Fin's Fish Guide
The Buff-backed spiny eel (Macrognathus maculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae that grows up to 28 cm.
Description
The buff-backed spiny eel is a spiny eel from Southeast Asia, in rivers and swamps of Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo. The species grows to about 28 cm and has an elongate, eel-like body with a fleshy, movable snout and a row of detached spinelets before the soft dorsal fin, characteristic of the spiny eels. As a bottom-dweller it burrows in sand and mud by day and hunts worms, insect larvae and small invertebrates at night. The fish is harmless to humans, occurs in the aquarium trade and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Buff-backed spiny eel?
The Buff-backed spiny eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Fleshy mobile snout and a row of separate small dorsal spines; buries itself
Where does the Buff-backed spiny eel live?
The Buff-backed spiny eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Southeast Asia
How big does the Buff-backed spiny eel get?
The Buff-backed spiny eel grows to a maximum of about 28 cm.
Is the Buff-backed spiny eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Buff-backed spiny eel is harmless to humans. This species is harmless to humans. No specific first aid is needed. Still handle the fish with care: mind the fin rays and the sharp edges of the gill cover, and rinse any scratch with clean water and cover it. For a dirty or deep wound check tetanus status.
Is the Buff-backed spiny eel edible?
The Buff-backed spiny eel is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Macrognathus
More from the family Mastacembelidae
Want the complete picture on the Buff-backed spiny eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Buff-backed spiny eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.