-
Size
Maximum length of 40 inches (100 cm). -
Diet
Omnivorous benthic feeder. -
Range
Occurs in freshwater environments in parts of Asia. -
Habitat
Inhabits sluggish lowland waters.
Physical Characteristics
- Maximum length of 40 inches (100 cm).
- Narrow, pointed snout; head is triangular in shape and gradually widens into the streamlined body with small pectoral fins towards the front portion. Body ends in a thin paddle-like tail.
- Head, body and tail are black in coloration but may appear green or blue depending on lighting.
- Head and back portion of body streaked with red and black horizontal bands. Middle section of body has prominent red spots or elongated marks.
Animal Fact
Dioecious; externally fertilizes eggs.
Diet / Feeding
- Omnivorous benthic feeder.
- Diet consists of insect larva, worms, small fish and some plant material.
Range / Habitat
- Occurs in freshwater environments in parts of Asia, including Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam through Malaysia and Indonesia.
- Inhabits sluggish lowland waters including slow-moving rivers 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. These spines, however, are not harmful to humans.
