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Size
Up to 40 inches (102 cm) -
Diet
Insect larva, worms, small fishes and plant material -
Range
Freshwater areas of Asia -
Habitat
Lowland waters and flood plains
Physical Characteristics
- Can reach a maximum length of 40 inches (101.6 cm).
- The head is triangular in shape and gradually widens into the streamlined body with small pectoral fins and ends in a thin, paddle-like tail.
- Head, body and tail are black in coloration with red spots and elongated marks that run down the entire length of the body.
Diet / Feeding
- Omnivorous diet consisting of benthic insect larva, worms, small fish, and some plant material.
Range / Habitat
- Occurs in the freshwater environments of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Inhabits lowland waters and floodplains.
Reproduction & Growth
- Dioecious; externally fertilizes eggs.
- Does not display egg-guarding behavior.
Conservation Status
- “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red List.
Additional Information
- Member of the spiny eel (Mastacembelidae) family. This family of eels is named for the spines running along the back.
