Fin's Fish Guide
The Marbled spiny-eel (Mastacembelus vanderwaali) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae that grows up to 15 cm.
Description
The marbled spiny-eel is a spiny eel from southern Africa, in the Okavango and upper Zambezi system. The species grows to about 15 cm and has an elongate, eel-like, brown marbled body with a fleshy, movable snout and a row of detached spinelets before the soft dorsal fin. As a bottom-dweller it burrows in sand and among roots by day and hunts worms, insect larvae and small invertebrates at night. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Marbled spiny-eel?
The Marbled spiny-eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Fleshy mobile snout and a row of separate small dorsal spines; buries itself
Where does the Marbled spiny-eel live?
The Marbled spiny-eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Okavango and Zambezi system
How big does the Marbled spiny-eel get?
The Marbled spiny-eel grows to a maximum of about 15 cm.
Is the Marbled spiny-eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Marbled 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 Marbled spiny-eel edible?
The Marbled 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 Marbled spiny-eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Marbled spiny-eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.