Fin's Fish Guide
The Stripedbelly spiny eel (Macrognathus taeniagaster) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The Stripedbelly spiny eel is a spiny eel (Mastacembelidae) from slow-flowing and still fresh water of Southeast Asia. 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 Stripedbelly spiny eel?
The Stripedbelly spiny eel has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly brown and shows a marbled pattern.
Where does the Stripedbelly spiny eel live?
The Stripedbelly spiny eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Viet Nam, Thailand
How big does the Stripedbelly spiny eel get?
The Stripedbelly spiny eel grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Stripedbelly spiny eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Stripedbelly 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 Stripedbelly spiny eel edible?
Yes, the Stripedbelly spiny eel is commonly eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Macrognathus
More from the family Mastacembelidae
Want the complete picture on the Stripedbelly spiny eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Stripedbelly spiny eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.