The Mesopotamian spiny eel (Mastacembelus mastacembelus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae that grows up to 46 cm.
Description
The Mesopotamian spiny eel is a spiny eel (Mastacembelidae) from slow-flowing and still fresh water of the Tigris and Euphrates system in the Middle East. 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 Mesopotamian spiny eel?
The Mesopotamian spiny eel has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.
Where does the Mesopotamian spiny eel live?
The Mesopotamian spiny eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Mesopotamian spiny eel get?
The Mesopotamian spiny eel grows to a maximum of about 46 cm.
Is the Mesopotamian spiny eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Mesopotamian spiny eel is harmless to humans.
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mastacembelus
More from the family Mastacembelidae
Download Fin's Fish Guide
Identify fish in seconds, log your catches and dives. Join the TestFlight beta.