Fin's Fish Guide
The Cunnington's spiny eel (Mastacembelus cunningtoni) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae that grows up to 58 cm.
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, in littoral zones with rocky, sandy or muddy bottoms.
Description
Mastacembelus cunningtoni is a spiny eel (family Mastacembelidae) endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 58 cm and has an elongate, eel-like, brown mottled body with a row of short spines before the dorsal fin and a long, mobile snout. It inhabits the littoral zone with rocky, sandy or muddy bottoms and burrows into the substrate by day. Its diet consists of insect larvae, worms and small invertebrates, which it searches for at night. The species is of modest commercial value and is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Cunnington's spiny eel?
The Cunnington's spiny eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Eel-shaped spiny eel with a row of dorsal spines and a long, mobile snout; buries itself in the bottom during the day.
Where does the Cunnington's spiny eel live?
The Cunnington's spiny eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, in littoral zones with rocky, sandy or muddy bottoms.
How big does the Cunnington's spiny eel get?
The Cunnington's spiny eel grows to a maximum of about 58 cm.
Is the Cunnington's spiny eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Cunnington's spiny eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Cunnington's spiny eel edible?
The Cunnington's spiny eel is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Cunnington's spiny eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cunnington's spiny eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mastacembelus
More from the family Mastacembelidae
Want the complete picture on the Cunnington's spiny eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Cunnington's spiny eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.