Fire Eel
Live Fish
Shipping & Returns
All live fish are shipped using NZPost overnight services with authority to leave (no signature).
We cannot guarantee the overnight services, this is a service that we/you pay for; but is not guaranteed.
We DO NOT offer returns on any alive animal.
Above are key points of our policy, Click Here to read our full shipping policy.
Dead On Arrival (DOA) Cover*
- DOA must be reported within 2 hours of delivery.
- Bags must remain sealed (do not remove rubber band or tape)
- Photos & Videos must be supplied this can be emailed or sent through live chat; including your order No. (minimum 3 clear images, showing dead fish & sealed bag)
- DOA does not apply once the bags are opened & fish have been released.
- DOA does not apply to any Rural (RD) address.
Introducing New Fish
Follow these steps to minimize stress and ensure a smooth transition for your new fish!
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Float the Bag: Place the sealed bag containing the new fish in the tank. This equalizes the temperature between bag and tank water.
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Open and Add Tank Water Gradually: After about 5 minutes, open the bag and add a small amount of aquarium water into it every 5 minutes for 15–30 minutes. This helps the fish acclimate to the tank’s water chemistry.
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Wait 15–30 Minutes: Let the fish adjust to the water temperature and chemistry gradually in the bag.
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Release Fish: Gently release the fish into the tank without pouring the original bag water in.
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.
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Preferred Diet:
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Live foods: bloodworms, earthworms, feeder fish (with caution)
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Frozen: krill, shrimp, silversides
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Sinking carnivore pellets
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Feeding Behavior:
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Nocturnal feeders
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Often shy at first; may take time to accept prepared foods
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Avoid overfeeding — prone to bloating
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Tank Setup
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Substrate: Fine sand is ideal for burrowing.
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Décor: Driftwood, large rocks, PVC pipes for hiding.
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Lighting: Dim to moderate (they’re nocturnal).
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Lid: MUST be tight-fitting — Fire Eels are excellent escape artists
Tank Mates
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Good:
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Peaceful medium to large fish (e.g., silver dollars, clown loaches, large gouramis)
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Avoid:
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Aggressive cichlids, fin-nippers, or small fish (may be eaten)
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Behavior & Temperament
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Intelligent and personable; may recognize keepers.
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Can become interactive and hand-feed with time.
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Territorial with other eels — best kept singly unless in a large system.
Special Considerations
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Growth: Needs large tank to prevent stunting.
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Health: Susceptible to bacterial infections, parasites if water quality is poor.
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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.
