🐍 Albino Asian Swamp Eel – (Monopterus javanensis)
The Albino Asian Swamp Eel is a rare, pale-colored variant of the standard Monopterus javanensis, distinguished by its creamy-white to yellowish body, pinkish eyes, and smooth, scaleless skin. Its elongated, snake-like form and ability to breathe atmospheric air make it a fascinating — and sometimes challenging — species for specialized aquarists.
Native to Southeast Asia’s swamps, rice paddies, and slow-moving waterways, this nocturnal predator is both hardy and adaptable, capable of surviving in low-oxygen environments where many fish cannot. Its unique biology, secretive nature, and unusual appearance make it a true oddity in the aquarium world.
🏠 Tank Size: 100+ gallons with a tight-fitting lid (expert escape artist)
🌊 Prefers soft, muddy or sandy substrate for burrowing
🪵 Provide hiding areas such as PVC pipes, caves, or dense vegetation
🍤 Carnivorous — feeds on worms, insects, crustaceans, and small fish
🐟 Will eat tankmates small enough to fit in its mouth
🐠 Predatory, generally solitary
🚫 Best kept alone or with large, non-aggressive species that can’t be swallowed
🌡️ Temperature: 72–82°F (22–28°C)
💧 pH: 6.0–7.5
📏 Size: 20–40 inches (50–100 cm), depending on environment
⚠️ Excellent jumper and escape artist — secure lids are essential
🌬️ Can breathe atmospheric air — may surface frequently
🔖 Scientific Name | Monopterus javanensis |
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🐟 Common Name | Albino Asian Swamp Eel |
🌎 Origin | Southeast Asia |
📏 Size | 20–40 inches (50–100 cm) |
🌡️ Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
💧 pH Range | 6.0–7.5 |
🐟 Temperament | Predatory, solitary |
🏠 Tank Size | 100+ gallons |
🍽️ Diet | Carnivore |
💡 The Albino Asian Swamp Eel is a rare and remarkable species — best suited to aquarists with experience in keeping unusual, escape-prone predators and the facilities to meet its specialized needs.