{"product_id":"fire-eel-mastacembelus-erythrotaenia","title":"Fire Eel - Mastacembelus erythrotaenia","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFire Eel (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Fire Eel is a striking and unusual freshwater fish recognised for its elongated eel-like body, dark base colour and vivid red to orange markings along the sides and fins. Despite its common name, it is not a true eel but a member of the spiny eel family. Intelligent, secretive and predatory, this species requires a very large, mature aquarium with soft substrate, secure hiding places and carefully selected tankmates.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFire Eel, Fire Spiny Eel\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMastacembelus erythrotaenia\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 80–100 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Fire Eel originates from freshwater habitats in Southeast Asia and is associated with rivers, streams, floodplain waters and slow-moving areas containing soft substrate, submerged wood and dense cover.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt spends much of its time close to the bottom, where it may bury partially into sand or shelter beneath roots and rocks.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH Range: 6.5–7.5\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardness: Soft to Moderate\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNitrate: Kept low and stable\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful to Semi-Aggressive \/ Predatory\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Fire Eel is generally peaceful towards fish that are too large to be viewed as prey.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHowever, small fish, shrimp and other suitably sized inhabitants may be eaten, particularly during nocturnal feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDiet\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarnivore \/ Predator\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Fire Eel naturally feeds on worms, crustaceans, insect larvae and other small aquatic animals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn the aquarium, offer a varied diet including frozen or live bloodworm, earthworms, prawns, mussel, cockle, krill and other suitably sized meaty foods.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMany specimens prefer feeding after the aquarium lights have dimmed and may take time to become confident enough to accept food in the open.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximately 700 litres for an adult specimen\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA very large aquarium with substantial floor space is essential due to the species' considerable adult size and elongated body shape.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Fire Eel is primarily a bottom-dwelling fish and may remain hidden for much of the day, becoming more active during quieter periods and towards evening.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt frequently investigates caves, driftwood and substrate and may partially bury itself in soft sand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide numerous secure hiding places while leaving enough unobstructed floor space for the fish to move comfortably.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCommunity Suitability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePredator \/ Large Community Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Fire Eel can be maintained with suitably large, peaceful or moderately robust fish that will not harass it.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSuitable tankmates may include larger barbs, rainbowfish, peaceful catfish and other substantial species that are too large to be swallowed.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid very small fish, ornamental shrimp and aggressive species likely to injure or continually disturb the eel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eProvide a very large, mature aquarium with soft sand or another smooth substrate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid sharp gravel, as Fire Eels frequently burrow and can damage their skin on rough material.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaves, pipes, driftwood and secure rockwork should be provided to create suitable hiding places.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe aquarium must have a tightly fitted lid with all openings secured, as spiny eels are excellent escape artists and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eStrong biological filtration and regular partial water changes are essential for maintaining excellent water quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNewly introduced specimens may be shy and reluctant to accept prepared foods, so careful feeding observation is important.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIts enormous adult size and long-term space requirements should be fully considered before purchase.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eExperienced\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAvailability\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegularly available\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAll images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aqua Group","offers":[{"title":"Small","offer_id":47413120434349,"sku":"AG-104691","price":9.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":47413120467117,"sku":"AG-104692","price":12.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":47413120499885,"sku":"AG-104693","price":19.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/FireEel-Mastacembeluserythrotaenia.jpg?v=1788571305","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/fire-eel-mastacembelus-erythrotaenia","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}