Fin's Fish Guide
The De Silva's swamp eel (Monopterus desilvai) is a freshwater fish of the family Synbranchidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
De Silva's swamp eel is a swamp eel (Synbranchidae) from swamps, rice fields and slow-flowing fresh water of Sri Lanka in South Asia. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a snake-like, scaleless, brown body without pectoral and pelvic fins and with gill slits fused into a single opening. In oxygen-poor water it can gulp air and survive in moist mud during drought. As a nocturnal hunter it snaps at worms, insect larvae and small fish. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the De Silva's swamp eel?
The De Silva's swamp eel has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the De Silva's swamp eel live?
The De Silva's swamp eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Sri Lanka
How big does the De Silva's swamp eel get?
The De Silva's swamp eel grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the De Silva's swamp eel dangerous to humans?
No, the De Silva's swamp 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.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Monopterus
More from the family Synbranchidae
Want the complete picture on the De Silva's swamp eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the De Silva's swamp eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.