Fire Eel (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia)
Care level: Easy
Max Size: 100cm
Diet: Omnivore
Temp: 24-28°C
PH: 6.0-7.5
Purchase size:
Description
The Fire Eel is a nocturnal species of omnivorous fish. In the wild they inhabit sluggish waters of floodplains and slow rivers. Due to their astonishing size, they need to be kept in a very large aquarium. Light should be somewhat diffused and Bog Wood, as well as plants would be a welcome addition. They will allow the eels to find nooks and crannies to hide in and explore. Smooth Rocks and caves will offer further enrichment and lighting should be dim or diffused with floating plants.
These fish will spend a significant portion of their time digging and burying themselves during the day, so we recommend a soft sand substrate and epiphyte plants like anubias and java ferns that can be attached to rocks and bog wood. This prevents the fish from being able to dislodge them from their planting positions.
Rather surprisingly for their size, Fire Eels can be kept in community aquariums, but small fish should be avoided as they will be seen as food. Large gouramies, congo tetras, large barbs and cichlids such as Geophagus and Severums all make great tank mates.
Food must be fresh or frozen as these fish are carnivorous for the most part and require large amounts of protein in their diet. We recommend Mysis shrimp and Krill for juveniles, upgrading to cockles, mussels and prawns as they grow.
If you have any questions about keeping Mastacembelus erythrotaenia or just require a bit of advice, please contact us and a member of our friendly tropical team will be more than happy to offer their knowledge on best practice.
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