Fire Eel
Mastacembelus erythrotaenia
Fire Eel is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer. Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Fire Eel?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 31.5" (≤ 80 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 106 US gal (400 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Intermediate – Advanced
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Swimming zone
- Bottom to middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH
- 6–7
- GH
- 6–12 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 15 years
- Group behavior
- Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.
Lifespan: up to 15 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 106 US gal (400 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 6–7, GH 6–12 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Fire Eel is peaceful and suits calm community fish.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Fire Eel should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Feed varied substantial meaty foods such as prawns, krill and appropriately sized invertebrates; ensure food reaches hiding animals and do not rely solely on small live feeds.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 106 US gal (400 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
- Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
- Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia.
Important notes
- Giant spiny eel approaching 100 cm SL maximum; will eat small fish, bury in sand, escape through tiny gaps and may fight conspecifics. Full-grown minimum length and volume remain unresolved.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Fire Eel get?
Fire Eel reaches ≤ 31.5" (≤ 80 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.
What aquarium size does Fire Eel need?
Use an aquarium of at least 106 US gal (400 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Is Fire Eel peaceful?
Yes. Fire Eel is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.
What temperature is suitable for Fire Eel?
Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.
Should Fire Eel be kept alone or in a group?
Fire Eel: Solitary housing is permitted; group housing needs additional context.
