Fin's Fish Guide
The Yellow spiny eel (Mastacembelus flavidus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae that grows up to 27 cm.
Description
The yellow spiny eel is an eel-shaped spiny eel (Mastacembelidae) from Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 27 cm and has a strongly elongate, yellow-brown body with a row of separate spinelets before the dorsal fin and a pointed, mobile snout. As a nocturnal bottom-dweller it hides by day among rocks and sand and searches at night for insect larvae, worms and small crustaceans. The fish is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Yellow spiny eel?
The Yellow spiny eel has a snake-like body, is mainly yellow-gold and shows a marbled pattern. Pointed mobile snout and separate small dorsal spines; nocturnal spiny eel
Where does the Yellow spiny eel live?
The Yellow spiny eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around mixed bottom. Lake Tanganyika
How big does the Yellow spiny eel get?
The Yellow spiny eel grows to a maximum of about 27 cm.
Is the Yellow spiny eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Yellow 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 Yellow spiny eel edible?
The Yellow spiny eel is rarely eaten.
Want the complete picture on the Yellow spiny eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Yellow 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 Yellow spiny eel?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Yellow spiny eel is one of 12,519 species in the app.