Fire Eel

The Fire Eel is a large, striking freshwater fish known for its elongated, eel-like body and vibrant red or orange markings along its dark body. Despite the name, it is not a true eel but a spiny eel from the family Mastacembelidae. It's a popular choice for advanced aquarists due to its exotic appearance and interactive behavior.

Quick Facts

Trait	Details
Scientific Name	Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
Common Names	Fire Eel
Origin	Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos)
Adult Size	Up to 3 feet (90 cm) in the wild; 20–28 inches in captivity
Lifespan	10–20 years with proper care
Temperament	Peaceful but territorial
Tank Level	Bottom-dweller

Water Parameters

Parameter	Ideal Range
Temperature	24–28°C
pH	6.5–7.5
Hardness	5–15 dGH
Salinity	Freshwater only
Filtration	Strong, low-flow
Substrate	Soft sand (burrower)

Diet & Feeding

Fire Eels are omnivores with a preference for meaty foods.

Preferred Diet:
- Live foods: bloodworms, earthworms, feeder fish (with caution)
- Frozen: krill, shrimp, silversides
- Sinking carnivore pellets
Feeding Behavior:
- Nocturnal feeders
- Often shy at first; may take time to accept prepared foods
- Avoid overfeeding — prone to bloating

Tank Setup

Substrate: Fine sand is ideal for burrowing.
Décor: Driftwood, large rocks, PVC pipes for hiding.
Lighting: Dim to moderate (they’re nocturnal).
Lid: MUST be tight-fitting — Fire Eels are excellent escape artists

Tank Mates

Good:
- Peaceful medium to large fish (e.g., silver dollars, clown loaches, large gouramis)
Avoid:
- Aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, or small fish (may be eaten)

Behavior & Temperament

Intelligent and personable; may recognize keepers.
Can become interactive and hand-feed with time.
Territorial with other eels — best kept singly unless in a large system.

Special Considerations

Growth: Needs large tank to prevent stunting.
Health: Susceptible to bacterial infections, parasites if water quality is poor.
Handling: Avoid netting — use a container; their skin is delicate and can be damaged easily.

*Product Photo is for reference only. Exact size and colour may vary, if required, please feel free to contact us for exact photos prior to purchase.

Eels Fish