In an evaluation of the family in 2004, the subfamilies of Mastacembelidae were found to not be well supported and were rejected.

[3] Spiny eels generally inhabit soft-bottomed habitats in fresh and occasionally brackish water.

Some species burrow in the substrate during the day or for certain months and have been found buried in soil in drying periods.

[3] Very characteristic of this group is the long nose appendage with two tubulated nostrils.

[3] Mastacembelids have a series of well-separated dorsal spines on their back, hence the name of their family, spiny eels.