{"product_id":"golden-fire-eel-mastacembelus-erythrotaenia","title":"Golden Fire Eel - Mastacembelus erythrotaenia","description":"\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"507\" data-end=\"556\" class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"507\" data-end=\"556\"\u003eGolden Fire Eel (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"558\" data-end=\"1041\"\u003eThe Golden Fire Eel is a spectacular large freshwater spiny eel admired for its elongated body, rich golden to orange-red markings and secretive bottom-dwelling behaviour. This colour form of the Fire Eel is best suited to very large mature aquariums with soft substrate, excellent filtration, secure covers and carefully chosen tankmates. Although juveniles are often sold at a manageable size, this is a specialist predatory fish that grows very large and needs long-term planning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1043\" data-end=\"1126\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1043\" data-end=\"1059\"\u003eCommon Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1059\" data-end=\"1062\"\u003eGolden Fire Eel, Fire Eel, Fire Spiny Eel, Golden Fire Spiny Eel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1186\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1128\" data-end=\"1156\"\u003eScientific Name (Latin):\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1156\" data-end=\"1159\"\u003eMastacembelus erythrotaenia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1188\" data-end=\"1240\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1188\" data-end=\"1206\"\u003eStrain \/ Form:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1206\" data-end=\"1209\"\u003eGolden \/ high-colour trade form\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1242\" data-end=\"1285\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1242\" data-end=\"1259\"\u003eMaximum Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1259\" data-end=\"1262\"\u003eApproximately 80–100 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1287\" data-end=\"1315\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1287\" data-end=\"1302\"\u003eWater Type:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1302\" data-end=\"1305\"\u003eFreshwater\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1446\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1317\" data-end=\"1346\"\u003eOrigin \/ Natural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1346\" data-end=\"1349\"\u003eThe Golden Fire Eel is a colour form of the Fire Eel, a freshwater spiny eel from Southeast Asia.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1448\" data-end=\"1628\"\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem data-start=\"1461\" data-end=\"1490\"\u003eMastacembelus erythrotaenia\u003c\/em\u003e is associated with rivers, floodplains, slow-moving waters, marginal vegetation, submerged roots, muddy areas and soft-bottomed habitats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1630\" data-end=\"1776\"\u003eIt spends much of its time hidden among cover or partly buried in soft substrate, emerging to feed and explore, especially during quieter periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1778\" data-end=\"1997\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1778\" data-end=\"1799\"\u003eWater Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"1799\" data-end=\"1802\"\u003eTemperature: 24–28°C\u003cbr data-start=\"1822\" data-end=\"1825\"\u003epH Range: 6.5–7.5\u003cbr data-start=\"1842\" data-end=\"1845\"\u003eHardness: Soft to moderately hard\u003cbr data-start=\"1878\" data-end=\"1881\"\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003cbr data-start=\"1903\" data-end=\"1906\"\u003eNitrate: Kept low and stable\u003cbr data-start=\"1934\" data-end=\"1937\"\u003eOxygenation: Good oxygenation and strong filtration required\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"1999\" data-end=\"2045\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1999\" data-end=\"2015\"\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2015\" data-end=\"2018\"\u003ePredatory \/ Semi-Aggressive\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2047\" data-end=\"2212\"\u003eGolden Fire Eels are generally peaceful towards fish too large to swallow, but they are predatory and will eat small fish, shrimp and other suitably sized tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2214\" data-end=\"2378\"\u003eThey are best kept with calm, robust fish of suitable size. Avoid aggressive species that may bite, bully or compete too strongly with the eel around hiding places.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2380\" data-end=\"2419\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2380\" data-end=\"2389\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2389\" data-end=\"2392\"\u003eCarnivore \/ Bottom Predator\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2421\" data-end=\"2479\"\u003eThe Golden Fire Eel should be offered a varied meaty diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2481\" data-end=\"2647\"\u003eSuitable foods include bloodworm, earthworms, river shrimp, prawns, mussel, cockle, krill, chopped fish, blackworm and quality carnivore sinking foods where accepted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2649\" data-end=\"2768\"\u003eYoung specimens often prefer frozen or live-style foods, while settled adults may learn to take prepared sinking foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2770\" data-end=\"2888\"\u003eAvoid feeder fish, as they can introduce disease, encourage poor feeding habits and are not a balanced long-term diet.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2890\" data-end=\"2962\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2890\" data-end=\"2912\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"2912\" data-end=\"2915\"\u003eApproximately 500–700 litres for long-term care\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"2964\" data-end=\"3065\"\u003eA very large aquarium footprint is essential, with length and floor space being especially important.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3067\" data-end=\"3191\"\u003eJuveniles grow over time and should not be purchased for small aquariums unless a suitable large upgrade is already planned.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3193\" data-end=\"3337\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3193\" data-end=\"3218\"\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Activity:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3218\" data-end=\"3221\"\u003eThe Golden Fire Eel is usually secretive during the day and more active at dusk, after dark or when food is offered.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3339\" data-end=\"3440\"\u003eIt may bury itself in soft sand, rest under wood, use caves or hide among smooth rockwork and plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3442\" data-end=\"3572\"\u003eSettled individuals can become confident and may learn feeding routines, but they still need secure hiding areas to reduce stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3574\" data-end=\"3641\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3574\" data-end=\"3600\"\u003eCommunity Suitability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"3600\" data-end=\"3603\"\u003eLarge Predator Community \/ Tank Buster\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3643\" data-end=\"3745\"\u003eThe Golden Fire Eel is suitable only for large specialist aquariums with carefully selected tankmates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3747\" data-end=\"3933\"\u003eSuitable companions may include larger peaceful catfish, large barbs, larger rainbowfish, robust peaceful cichlids with caution, sizeable plecos and other fish too large to be swallowed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"3935\" data-end=\"4105\"\u003eAvoid small tetras, rasboras, guppies, shrimp, small corydoras, delicate fish, fin-nippers, aggressive cichlids and any fish likely to harass the eel or fit in its mouth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4107\" data-end=\"4221\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4107\" data-end=\"4146\"\u003eSpecial Requirements or Care Notes:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4146\" data-end=\"4149\"\u003eThis is a large specialist fish and should be planned for at adult size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4223\" data-end=\"4326\"\u003eProvide soft sand or fine smooth substrate, as rough gravel can damage the underside and delicate skin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4328\" data-end=\"4420\"\u003eOffer plenty of hiding places using smooth caves, large driftwood, pipes or stable rockwork.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4422\" data-end=\"4512\"\u003eAvoid sharp décor and unstable structures that may collapse if the eel burrows underneath.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4514\" data-end=\"4641\"\u003eMaintain excellent water quality with strong filtration and regular water changes, as large predatory fish produce heavy waste.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4643\" data-end=\"4735\"\u003eKeep the aquarium tightly covered, as spiny eels can escape through surprisingly small gaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4737\" data-end=\"4870\"\u003eFire Eels can be sensitive to some medications, especially copper-based treatments, so always check treatment suitability before use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4872\" data-end=\"4980\"\u003eThis species is best suited to aquarists with experience keeping large oddball or predatory freshwater fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"4982\" data-end=\"5013\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"4982\" data-end=\"4999\"\u003eSuitable for:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"4999\" data-end=\"5002\"\u003eExperienced\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"5015\" data-end=\"5109\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5015\" data-end=\"5032\"\u003eAvailability:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-start=\"5032\" data-end=\"5035\"\u003eAvailability can vary depending on season, supplier, size and colour form.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp dir=\"auto\" data-start=\"5111\" data-end=\"5377\"\u003e\u003cem data-start=\"5111\" data-end=\"5377\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"5112\" data-end=\"5376\"\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":47413152415917,"sku":"AG-104706","price":345.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium","offer_id":47413152448685,"sku":"AG-104707","price":395.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"Large","offer_id":47413152481453,"sku":"AG-104708","price":695.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0543\/0391\/6205\/files\/GoldenFireEel-Mastacembeluserythrotaenia.jpg?v=1790954074","url":"https:\/\/aquagroup.co.uk\/products\/golden-fire-eel-mastacembelus-erythrotaenia","provider":"Aqua Group","version":"1.0","type":"link"}