Fin's Fish Guide
The Whitespotted spiny eel (Mastacembelus albomaculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The whitespotted spiny eel is a spiny eel endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 22 cm and has a strongly elongate, eel-like body with a fleshy, snout-like extension above the mouth and a row of separate spines before the soft dorsal fin, characteristic of the spiny eels; white spots are scattered over the body. As a bottom-dweller the fish lives in rocky coastal zones and hunts small bottom animals. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whitespotted spiny eel?
The Whitespotted spiny eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern. Fleshy snout-shaped extension; a row of separate spines in front of the dorsal fin; small white spots
Where does the Whitespotted spiny eel live?
The Whitespotted spiny eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Lake Tanganyika
How big does the Whitespotted spiny eel get?
The Whitespotted spiny eel grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Whitespotted spiny eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Whitespotted 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 Whitespotted spiny eel edible?
The Whitespotted spiny eel is rarely eaten.
More photos
Want the complete picture on the Whitespotted spiny eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitespotted spiny eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.
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 Whitespotted spiny eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Whitespotted spiny eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.