Fire Eel

Mastacembelus erythrotaenia

The largest common spiny eel, banded in fiery red and black.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

75–82°F

pH

6.5–7.5

Hardness

5–18 dGH

Max size

24 in

Min tank

120 gal

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Social

Solitary

Swim level

Bottom

Diet

Carnivore

Care level

Advanced

Lifespan

10-18 years

Breeding

Egg-layer

Suitability

Advanced

Origin

Southeast Asia

A spectacular but huge spiny eel that becomes tame enough to hand-feed, needing a very large tank with deep sand and an escape-proof lid. Predatory toward small fish. A long-lived centerpiece for big setups.