Fin's Fish Guide
The Greshoff's spiny eel (Mastacembelus greshoffi) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae that grows up to 33 cm.
Description
Greshoff's spiny eel is an eel-like freshwater fish of the spiny eel family (Mastacembelidae) from the Congo basin in Central Africa. The species grows to about 33 cm and has a strongly elongate, snake-like body with a pointed, mobile snout and a row of short, separate spines before the soft dorsal fin, from which the family takes its name. It lives over rocky bottoms in rivers and lakes, including rapids, and likes to burrow. As a nocturnal bottom hunter it searches for worms, insect larvae and small invertebrates. The spines can prick, but the species is otherwise harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Greshoff's spiny eel?
The Greshoff's spiny eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Snake-like body with a mobile snout and a row of separate dorsal spines; likes to bury itself.
Where does the Greshoff's spiny eel live?
The Greshoff's spiny eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Central Africa; rocky bottoms of rivers and lakes of the Congo basin.
How big does the Greshoff's spiny eel get?
The Greshoff's spiny eel grows to a maximum of about 33 cm.
Is the Greshoff's spiny eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Greshoff's spiny eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Greshoff's spiny eel edible?
The Greshoff's spiny eel is rarely eaten.
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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 Greshoff's spiny eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Greshoff's spiny eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.