Fin's Fish Guide
The Tire-track spiny eel (Mastacembelus favus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae that grows up to 70 cm.
Description
The Tire-track spiny eel is a spiny eel (Mastacembelidae) from fresh water of Sundaland and the Mekong basin in Southeast Asia. The species grows to about 70 cm and has a very elongate, eel-like, brown body with a pointed, movable snout and a row of short, separate spines along the back before the soft dorsal fin. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it burrows by day in sand and leaf litter and hunts worms, insect larvae and small invertebrates by night. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Tire-track spiny eel?
The Tire-track spiny eel has a snake-like body and is mainly brown.
Where does the Tire-track spiny eel live?
The Tire-track spiny eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Asia: Cambodia, Laos, Thailand
How big does the Tire-track spiny eel get?
The Tire-track spiny eel grows to a maximum of about 70 cm.
Is the Tire-track spiny eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Tire-track 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.
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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 Tire-track spiny eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Tire-track spiny eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.