🐍 Fire Eel — (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia)

The Fire Eel is the largest member of the spiny eel family (Mastacembelidae) and one of the most recognizable eel-like freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. Named for its brilliant red to orange stripes and markings along a dark, elongated body, it’s a graceful and intelligent species that can become surprisingly tame with proper care.

Despite the name, the Fire Eel is not a true eel — it’s a spiny eel, characterized by a series of small dorsal spines before the dorsal fin. In the wild, it inhabits slow-moving rivers, floodplains, and swamps across Southeast Asia, often burrowing into sandy or muddy bottoms for security.

🌊 Tank Setup

• 🏠 Tank Size: Minimum 180+ gallons for adults — they can grow massive.
• ⏳ Juveniles may start in smaller tanks but will outgrow them quickly.
• ⏳ Soft sand substrate is a must for burrowing — avoid sharp gravel.
• 🪵 Provide caves, driftwood, and PVC pipes for hiding spots.
• 🌿 Dim lighting with floating plants helps them feel secure.

🍽️ Diet

• 🦐 Carnivore — enjoys live or frozen bloodworms, blackworms, shrimp, and small fish.
• 🐚 Will also eat earthworms, krill, and other meaty foods.
• 🍽️ Can be trained to hand-feed once acclimated and trusting.
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⚖️ Temperament

• 🤝 Generally peaceful toward tankmates too large to be eaten.
• ⚠️ Will prey on small fish and invertebrates.
• 🧠 Intelligent and inquisitive — often recognizes and interacts with keepers.

🧠 Behavior & Care

• 🏞️ Needs plenty of floor space and hiding spots.
• 🕵️ Excellent escape artists — ensure lids are tight-fitting and weighted down.
• 💧 Pristine water quality is essential for long-term health.
• 🪴 Gentle personality makes them a great “centerpiece oddball” for large community tanks.

📋 At a glance

💡 The Fire Eel’s size, intelligence, and vibrant markings make it a showstopper in large aquariums. Given space, soft substrate, and a varied carnivorous diet, these gentle giants can live well over a decade — and may even take food right from your hand once they trust you.