Mastacembelus erythrotaenia

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Fire Eel
Fire Eel
Species	Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
Difficulty	Moderate
Min. Tank Size	283.906 liters 283,905.883 mL 75 US Gallons (283.9L)
Size	39.37 in 95-100 cm (37.4-39.4")
pH	6.0 - 8.0
Temp.	297.15 K 75.2 °F 534.87 °R 301.15 K 82.4 °F 542.07 °R24 -28 °C (75.2-82.4°F)
Water Hardness	5-19
Stocking Ratio	1:1 M:F
Availability	Uncommon
Diet	Carnivore Pellet Foods Flake Foods Live Foods
Life Span	8-10 years

[edit] Alternative names

Fire Eel

[edit] Other Scientific Names

Macrognathus erythrotaenia

[edit] Sexing

Mature females are plumper than males, quite difficult to sex however.

[edit] Tank compatibility

Fire Eels are best kept with larger fish, that are not overly aggressive and likely to nip at the eel. They are nocturnal hunters, so smaller fish may be eaten.

[edit] Diet

This fish is primarily carnivorous and will willingly accept meaty foods including earthworms, bloodworms and other meaty treats.

[edit] Feeding regime

Once acclimatised will come out to eat once or twice a week, primarily nocturnal though.

[edit] Environment Specifics

These fish must be provided with hiding places such as tubing and planting as well as a soft substrate.

[edit] Behaviour

These fish are generally peaceful in nature, however they are nocturnal predators and may take smaller fish.

[edit] Identification

A distinctive eel-like elongated fish with a long snout. The body is dark brown in colour with a paler underbelly, then with several red-orange lateral bands along the head and down part of the body. This pattern can vary between fish. Often the anal, pectoral, and dorsal fins have a red edging.

[edit] Pictures

[edit] External links

• Fishbase
• Pet Education
• Mongabay
• Wikipedia
• Fish Profiles