Fin's Fish Guide
The Guenther's spiny eel (Macrognathus guentheri) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The Guenther's spiny eel is a spiny eel (Mastacembelidae) from slow-flowing and still fresh water of South Asia. The species grows to about 25 cm and has a very slender, eel-like, brown-marbled body with a fleshy, mobile snout and a row of short, separate spinelets before the dorsal fin. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it buries in sand and mud by day and searches for worms, insect larvae and small invertebrates at night. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Guenther's spiny eel?
The Guenther's spiny eel has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.
Where does the Guenther's spiny eel live?
The Guenther's spiny eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: India
How big does the Guenther's spiny eel get?
The Guenther's spiny eel grows to a maximum of about 30 cm. On average the species is around 20 cm.
Is the Guenther's spiny eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Guenther's 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 Guenther's spiny eel edible?
Yes, the Guenther's spiny eel is commonly eaten.
More photos
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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 Guenther's spiny eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Guenther's spiny eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.