Will a Fire Eel eat my other fish?

Yes, if the fish is small enough to fit in the eel's mouth, it will eventually be eaten. They should only be kept with tankmates that are substantially larger than their mouth gape.

What is the best substrate for a Fire Eel?

Fine, smooth sand is absolutely mandatory. Fire Eels instinctively burrow, and sharp substrates like gravel will scratch their delicate skin, leading to fatal bacterial infections.

Why is my Fire Eel constantly trying to escape?

They are naturally inquisitive and prone to exploring the upper reaches of the tank at night. A heavy, tight-fitting lid with no gaps is required. Sometimes, escape attempts can also indicate poor water quality.

Can I keep two Fire Eels together?

It is generally not recommended. They are territorial towards their own kind and other spiny eels. Keeping more than one requires a massive aquarium with numerous distinct hiding places.

Why is my Fire Eel hiding all the time?

They are naturally nocturnal and crepuscular, meaning they prefer to be active at dawn, dusk, and during the night. Providing dim lighting and plenty of secure caves will help them feel confident enough to emerge during the day.

FreshwaterTropicalAdvanced

Fire Eel

Mastacembelus erythrotaenia

A massive, striking freshwater oddball renowned for its dark body and bright red lateral stripes, requiring an enormous aquarium with a soft sand substrate.

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Ideal Conditions

Temperature: 24 – 28 °C
pH range: 6 – 7.5
Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
Adult size: 70 – 100 cm
1000L minimum for an adult: 1,000 litres+
Lifespan: 10 – 20 years
Diet: Carnivore
Water flow: moderate
Preferred setup: Soft sand substrate is mandatory to prevent skin damage. Ample hiding places like large PVC pipes or smooth bogwood. A heavy, completely sealed lid is essential to prevent escapes.

About the Fire Eel

The Fire Eel is one of the largest and most spectacular members of the spiny eel family (Mastacembelidae). Characterised by its elongated, serpentine body and vivid red-to-orange patterning, it makes a phenomenal centrepiece for jumbo aquaria. Although it is not a true eel, it shares a similarly slender morphology and features a distinctly elongated rostrum used to probe for food. Given its potential size of up to a metre, it represents a substantial long-term commitment.

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Is it right for your tank?

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Where Fire Eel comes from

Native range

Southeast Asia, Mekong River basin, Chao Phraya River basin

Countries / regions

Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia

Habitat

Slow-moving rivers, flooded plains, and swamps with soft mud or silt bottoms.

Widely distributed across the Indochinese and Malay peninsulas, as well as the Greater Sunda Islands.

Similar species

Tire Track Eel
Mastacembelus armatus
Peacock Eel
Macrognathus siamensis
Zebra Spiny Eel
Macrognathus zebrinus

We’re adding more full species guides as the catalogue grows.

Compatible tank mates

Reviewed guidance based on this species' recorded traits.

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Severum
Heros efasciatus
A robust, generally peaceful cichlid that is far too large for the Fire Eel to view as food, sharing similar water requirements.
Great
Tinfoil Barb
Barbonymus schwanenfeldii
Large and fast-moving mid-water fish that will not bother the eel or fit in its mouth.
Great
Senegal Bichir
Polypterus senegalus
Both are large, bottom-dwelling oddballs. They can coexist in very large tanks, but may compete for hiding spots and food.
Compatible with caution
Neon Tetra
Paracheirodon innesi
Far too small; will be rapidly eaten by an adult Fire Eel at night.
Not recommended
Other Spiny Eels
Mastacembelidae
Fire Eels can be highly territorial and aggressive towards conspecifics and similarly shaped bottom dwellers.
Not recommended

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