Fire Eel Mastacembelus erythrotaenia Care Guide

The Fire Eel is a large striking freshwater eel known for its elongated body and bright red or orange markings along the sides. Despite its intimidating appearance it is generally a shy and intelligent fish that forms strong recognition of its keeper. It is best suited for large aquariums and experienced aquarists.

Appearance and Size
Fire Eels have a long snake like body with a dark brown to black base color covered in vivid red or orange streaks and spots along the sides. They have a pointed snout with small sensory appendages used to locate food. Fire Eels can grow very large reaching 24 to 36 inches in length over time. Juveniles are often lighter in color with patterns becoming more intense as they mature.

Natural Habitat and Behavior
This species is native to rivers and floodplains of Southeast Asia. In the wild they live in slow to moderate flowing waters with sandy or muddy bottoms. Fire Eels are nocturnal and spend much of the day buried in substrate or hiding in caves. They are peaceful toward fish too large to eat but may prey on small tank mates. They are intelligent and can become quite interactive with regular care.

Aquarium Requirements
A very large aquarium is required with a minimum of 125 gallons recommended for adults. Juveniles can be started in smaller tanks but will quickly outgrow them. Water temperature should be kept between 75 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. pH should range from 6.5 to 7.5 with soft to moderately hard water.

The substrate must be soft sand to prevent injury as Fire Eels like to burrow. Provide plenty of hiding places using large PVC pipes driftwood and caves. The tank must have a secure tight fitting lid as Fire Eels are strong escape artists. Moderate filtration is required with good water quality and gentle to moderate flow.

Diet and Feeding
Fire Eels are carnivores. Their diet should consist of meaty foods such as earthworms bloodworms blackworms shrimp mussels and pieces of fish. Some individuals can be trained to accept sinking pellets but live or frozen foods are preferred. Feed several times per week rather than daily heavy feedings to avoid obesity.

Tank Mates
Fire Eels do best with large peaceful fish that cannot be eaten. Suitable tank mates include large barbs silver dollars larger cichlids and catfish. Avoid aggressive species that may harass the eel and avoid small fish or shrimp which will be eaten.

Breeding
Breeding Fire Eels in home aquariums is extremely rare and not well documented. Most individuals available in the trade are wild caught. Successful breeding is believed to require very large bodies of water and specific seasonal conditions.

General Care and Health
Fire Eels are sensitive to poor water quality and medications especially those containing copper. Regular water changes are essential. Because they lack true scales they are prone to skin infections if kept on rough substrate. A clean well maintained aquarium and soft sand are critical for long term health.

Summary
The Fire Eel is a beautiful intelligent and impressive freshwater species that becomes a true centerpiece fish in large aquariums. With proper space soft substrate and a high quality diet it can live for many years and develop a strong personality.