Fin's Fish Guide
The Sanaga spiny eel (Mastacembelus sanagali) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae that grows up to 24 cm.
Description
The Sanaga spiny eel is a spiny eel (Mastacembelidae) from the Sanaga drainage in Cameroon in West Africa. 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 Sanaga spiny eel?
The Sanaga spiny eel has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern. Eel-shaped body with a fleshy snout and a row of small sharp dorsal spines; buries itself during the day.
Where does the Sanaga spiny eel live?
The Sanaga spiny eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Cameroon in Central Africa; slow-flowing streams with sandy bottom.
How big does the Sanaga spiny eel get?
The Sanaga spiny eel grows to a maximum of about 24 cm.
Is the Sanaga spiny eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Sanaga spiny eel is harmless to humans. The row of sharp spines along the back can give a puncture wound when handled. Clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical care if it becomes infected.
Is the Sanaga spiny eel edible?
The Sanaga 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 Sanaga spiny eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Sanaga spiny eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.