Fin's Fish Guide
The Slender swamp eel (Macrotrema caligans) is a brackish-water fish of the family Synbranchidae that grows up to 30 cm.
Description
The slender swamp eel is a swamp eel (Synbranchidae) from shallow fresh and brackish water of Sundaland in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 30 cm and has a very slender, eel-like, grey-brown body without pectoral fins, with strongly reduced fins and a single gill slit under the throat. With an air-breathing organ it can live in oxygen-poor water. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it wriggles among mud and roots and snaps at small invertebrates. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Slender swamp eel?
The Slender swamp eel has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Slender swamp eel live?
The Slender swamp eel lives in brackish water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Malaysia, Thailand
How big does the Slender swamp eel get?
The Slender swamp eel grows to a maximum of about 30 cm.
Is the Slender swamp eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Slender swamp 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.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Slender swamp eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Slender swamp eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.
All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
More from the family Synbranchidae
Want the complete picture on the Slender swamp eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Slender swamp eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.