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Fire Eel - (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia)

Fire Eel - (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia)

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$150.00
Wild Caught
was $180.00 Save 17%
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NORTH ARLINGTON,
United States
Jul 1, 2024
Stays in a tunnel until feeding time
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Fire Eel - (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia)
Fish Details, Description and Information Below:

🐍 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.
  • 🐟 Give your fish the best with the same high-quality nutrition we use every day! 🐟 At Jason’s Plecos & Cichlids, we feed a balanced mix of protein-rich and vegetable-based fish foods to keep our plecos, cichlids, and other tropical fish healthy, active, and thriving. These premium fish foods are specially formulated to enhance natural color, promote strong growth, and support long-term health—making them a trusted choice for aquarium hobbyists worldwide.
    • Fluval Bug Bites Pleco Formula
    • Fluval Bug Bites Tropical
    • Hikari Massivore Delight
    • Hikari Massivore Delight
  • 🐟 By purchasing through these links, you not only provide your fish with top-quality nutrition but also help support our mission to bring hobbyists the best in fish care. ✨ Click the links above to shop now and give your fish the nutrition they deserve! We earn a small commission for each sale.

⚖️ 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

🔖 Scientific Name Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
🐟 Common Name Fire Eel
🌎 Origin Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sumatra, Borneo)
📏 Size Up to 40" (100 cm) in the wild — usually 20–28" in aquariums
🌡️ Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C)
💧 pH Range 6.5–7.5
🐟 Temperament Peaceful with large tankmates
🏠 Tank Size 180+ gallons
🍽️ Diet Carnivore
🎯 Experience Intermediate–Advanced

💡 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.

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