Fire Eel

The Fire Eel is an impressive freshwater spiny eel with a dark body marked by red-orange lines and spots. Often shy at first, it spends time exploring shelters and searching along the bottom, making it a distinctive choice for an experienced keeper with a large aquarium.

Fish details

• Scientific name: Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
• Size offered: 30–40 cm
• Adult size: Can approach 100 cm; plan for a very large adult
• Origin: Southeast Asia
• Water type: Freshwater
• Temperament: Usually calm with large companions; predatory toward small animals

Recommended aquarium conditions

• Aquarium: Very large adult aquarium; 180 US gallons or more is a planning starting point, with a long, wide footprint and room to upgrade
• Temperature: 24–28°C (75–82°F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5

Provide smooth sand, broad caves, and securely supported wood. Keep lighting subdued or offer shaded sections. Strong biological filtration and oxygenation are essential, but the eel should have sheltered resting places. Seal every opening around hoses and cables; a normal loose cover is inadequate.

Diet and feeding

Offer a varied carnivorous diet, including suitable earthworms and thawed aquatic foods such as shrimp or fish pieces. Use feeding tongs and begin near its shelter if it is reluctant to emerge. Ask which foods the current animal accepts, and do not assume it will immediately eat pellets.

Compatibility and care

Small fish, shrimp, and other bite-sized tankmates may be eaten. Avoid aggressive companions that damage the eel or prevent it from feeding. House one unless you have substantial space and experience with multiple spiny eels. Protect its skin from sharp substrate, keep ammonia and nitrite at zero, and maintain regular water changes. The listed size is its approximate purchase size, not its adult limit.

Sizes are approximate. Contact Las Vegas Exotic Fish at (702) 685-5100 to confirm availability or discuss your setup.