The fire eel is a member of the spiny eel family, named for the spines running down its back.
  • 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.

Sources