Mastacembelus erythrotaenia - Fire Eel
Fire Eel – Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
With its elongated body, striking red or orange lateral markings, and inquisitive nature, the Fire Eel is one of the most visually unique and rewarding oddball species in the freshwater aquarium hobby. Native to slow-moving rivers and floodplains across Southeast Asia, this spiny eel is known for both its beauty and personality.
Features:
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Distinctive black to dark brown body with vivid red or orange stripes and spots
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Can grow into a large, impressive showpiece with proper care
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Intelligent and interactive – often recognizes and responds to its keeper
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Not a true eel, but a spiny eel species from the Mastacembelidae family
Tank Requirements:
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Spacious, soft-substrate aquarium with secure hiding spots (PVC, driftwood, caves)
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Sandy or fine gravel bottom to prevent injury to the eel’s sensitive underside
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Low to moderate lighting with subdued decor to replicate natural habitat
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Secure lid required – known escape artist
Behavior & Care:
Fire Eels are peaceful but shy and take time to adjust to new environments. They do well with other non-aggressive tankmates too large to be eaten. Carnivorous by nature, they enjoy a diet of earthworms, bloodworms, shrimp, and other meaty foods, gradually accepting prepared foods over time.
Ideal For:
Intermediate to advanced aquarists with the space and commitment to care for a large, secretive species that becomes increasingly engaging with age and trust. With patience, the Fire Eel can become a true personality in the aquarium.
This listing is for one Fire Eel, size is about 12-15 inches roughly. Very healthy and currently eating bloodworms (frozen, dry or live will work fine).
These Fire Eels are extra-large and are bigger than what you'd typically see in any LFS.
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I love the fishes
Great doing business with you. Highly recommended
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Quick shipping. Healthy fish.
I got one a bit smaller, but I had asked for one with an outgoing personality over size, so that may be why mine wasn't quite as big. I am quite happy with it. Healthy, active, and was eating right away.
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Always satisfied
Shipping is always on time. My eel came alive and healthy
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Picture Update
Here is the biggest of the 3 I received.
Notice how thick and also his markings. Stunning fish.
https://i.imgur.com/XHnN2pM.png -
FIRE EEL, XXL
Very nice eels. I ordered 3, one was absolutely massive and thick. They were all very healthy eels, I'd say 2 were right under 12" and 1 was 13".
For this price, you cannot complain one bit. In LFS, these are marked up always, and online, eels 12" in length are usually $70. PetZoneSD seems like my new go to place to order fish. Beautiful markings, I would say 2/3 had the best of any markings I had seen on Youtube or on my previous LFS bought one. -
XL Fire Eel
Ordering and shipping was simple and FAST!! Less than 24 hours and it was at my door. Was not as described though, 3” smaller than promised
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Fire Eel - XL
Absolutely beautiful...Well worth the wait...Thank you...We will buy again.
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Beautiful eel
Recieved a beautiful and lively fire eel. My husband is so happy with him. Very curious in his new surroundings and a pleasure to watch.
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XL Fire Eel
Size was exactly the size in the description about 12” or so. Beautiful markings and looked to be very healthy. He even ate the first day we had him! He has been very active and not shy at all. Only bad thing was even though I paid for over night delivery ($25) it didn’t come for about a week or so. I’m sure it has to do with the covid-19 drama just was a bummer to have to wait so long when forced to pay that much for delivery. But overall I’m happy with the fire eel :)
