Fin's Fish Guide
The Fire eel (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae that grows up to 100 cm.
Description
The fire eel is a large spiny eel (Mastacembelidae) from Southeast Asia, occurring in the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins and Sundaland. The species reaches about one metre and has an elongate, snake-like, dark body with bright red-orange lateral stripes and spots, to which the name refers. Before the soft dorsal fin it bears a row of short spines. It is a lowland species of slow-flowing rivers and inundated plains and feeds on benthic insect larvae, worms and some plant matter. The species is eaten fresh and is popular in the aquarium trade, but has become locally rare in the wild.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Fire eel?
The Fire eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a horizontal stripes pattern. Large spiny eel with bright red-orange stripes; popular in the aquarium, locally rare in the wild.
Where does the Fire eel live?
The Fire eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Southeast Asia, in the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins and Sundaland.
How big does the Fire eel get?
The Fire eel grows to a maximum of about 100 cm. On average the species is around 60 cm.
Is the Fire eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Fire eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Fire eel edible?
Yes, the Fire eel is commonly eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Fire eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fire 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 Fire eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Fire eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.