Fire Eel

Overview

• Scientific Name: Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
• Common Names: Fire Eel, Red-Tailed Eel
• Family: Mastacembelidae
• Origin: Native to the rivers and lakes of Southeast Asia, particularly in Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Laos.

Physical Description

• Coloration: Fire Eels are characterized by their dark brown to black body with vibrant red or orange markings, especially on the tail and dorsal fins. Their coloration can vary based on their environment and mood.
• Size: They can grow quite large, typically reaching lengths of 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) in captivity, with some individuals growing even larger.
• Body Shape: Their body is elongated and snake-like, with a flattened head and large eyes.

Behavior

• Temperament: Fire Eels are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially during breeding. They may eat smaller fish, so careful consideration is needed when selecting tank mates.
• Activity Level: They are nocturnal and tend to be more active during the night, often hiding during the day. Providing hiding spots is essential for their well-being.

Habitat

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, Fire Eels inhabit slow-moving rivers, lakes, and swamps with sandy or muddy bottoms, often among submerged vegetation and rocks.
• Aquarium Setup: A spacious tank (minimum 75 gallons) is essential for these fish, with plenty of hiding spots created from rocks, driftwood, and plants. They prefer subdued lighting and a sandy substrate for burrowing.

Diet

• Feeding: Fire Eels are carnivorous and require a varied diet, including:
  • High-quality pellets or sinking wafers
  • Frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and earthworms
  • Occasional plant matter (blanched vegetables)
• Feeding Frequency: They should be fed once or twice daily, ensuring that food sinks to the bottom where they can easily access it.

Breeding

• Breeding Type: Breeding Fire Eels in captivity is challenging. They are believed to spawn in pairs, but little is known about their breeding habits in aquariums.
• Fry Care: If breeding occurs, the fry will require specialized care, but breeding is rare in home aquariums.

Care Requirements

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for adults, as they need plenty of space to swim and hide.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C)
  • pH Level: 6.0 to 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
  • Hardness: 5 to 15 dGH
• Filtration: A strong filtration system is needed to maintain water quality, as Fire Eels produce a significant amount of waste. Regular water changes (about 25% weekly) are also important.

Compatibility

• Tank Mates: Fire Eels can coexist with larger, peaceful fish such as:
  • Larger cichlids
  • Barbs
  • Other peaceful bottom dwellers
• Behavior with Others: They should not be housed with very small fish, as they may be seen as food. Territoriality can also be an issue with other bottom dwellers.

Lifespan

• Lifespan: With proper care, Fire Eels can live for 10 to 15 years in captivity.

Interesting Facts

• Fire Eels are known for their unique behavior, including burrowing and playing hide-and-seek among tank decorations.
• They can be quite shy, so providing a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding places will help them feel secure.