Mastacembelus erythrotaenia Bleeker, 1850
Fire eel
photo by JJPhoto

Family:  Mastacembelidae (Spiny eels)
Max. size:  100 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater; pH range: 6 - 8; dH range: 5 - 19
Distribution:  Asia: Thailand and Cambodia to Indonesia.
Diagnosis:  Soft-rayed portions of median fins and pectoral fin with a sharply defined white distal margin, basal portion of dorsal, anal and caudal fins dark, that of pectoral fin dark or with broad vertical bars; head and anterior part of body with longitudinal red and black bands, rest of body with red spots or elongate marks on a black background (Ref. 39392).
Biology:  A large lowland floodplain species occurring in slow moving rivers and inundated plains. Feeds on benthic insect larvae, worms and some plant material (Ref. 12693). Caught by dry pumping bodies of standing water. Marketed fresh and often seen in the aquarium trade. Has apparently become rare in recent years (Ref. 12693).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 12 December 2019 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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