Fin's Fish Guide
The Longtail spiny eel (Mastacembelus frenatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae that grows up to 40 cm.
Fresh water of Central and East Africa (including the Congo and Zambezi basins and the great lakes), in rivers and lakes with a soft bottom.
Description
The longtail spiny eel is a long, eel-like freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae (spiny eels) reaching about 40 cm. The brown, marbled body is strongly elongate and ends in a pointed, mobile snout with which the fish probes among stones and in the bottom for prey. A row of separate, sharp spinelets stands before the soft-rayed dorsal fin. By day it often buries itself in sand or mud with only the snout showing; at night it emerges to hunt insect larvae, worms and small crustaceans. The species comes from Central and East Africa, including the Congo and Zambezi basins and the great lakes. Because of its snake-like shape it is popular in the aquarium hobby.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Longtail spiny eel?
The Longtail spiny eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Long, eel-like fish with a pointed, mobile snout and a row of separate spinelets in front of the dorsal fin; buries itself in the sand during the day.
Where does the Longtail spiny eel live?
The Longtail spiny eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Fresh water of Central and East Africa (including the Congo and Zambezi basins and the great lakes), in rivers and lakes with a soft bottom.
How big does the Longtail spiny eel get?
The Longtail spiny eel grows to a maximum of about 40 cm.
Is the Longtail spiny eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Longtail spiny eel is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Longtail spiny eel edible?
The Longtail 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 Longtail spiny eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Longtail spiny eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.