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
🍽️ Diet
⚖️ Temperament
🧠 Behavior & Care
🔖 Scientific Name | Mastacembelus erythrotaenia |
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🐟 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.