Mastacembelus erythrotaenia

Alternative names

 * Fire Eel

Sexing

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

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.

Diet

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

Feeding regime

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

Environment Specifics

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

Behaviour

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

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.

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