Mastacembelus

See text Mastacembelus is a genus of many species of spiny eel fish from the family Mastacembelidae.

[4][9] M. erythrotaenia, often known as the fire eel, is blackish with an orange-red pattern, and it is a popular aquarium fish.

[9] Otherwise species in this genus are typically brownish and often have a spotted, speckled or mottled pattern, either in another brown hue, grayish or yellowish.

A few others also occasionally appear in the aquarium trade,[9] and some are considered good food fish and eaten locally.

[8] M aviceps, M. brichardi, M. crassus and M. latens are found in dark, deep parts of the Congo River and sometimes shallower among rocks.

Several Mastacembelus armatus caught in the Tlawng river in India. This species is sometimes kept in aquariums, but also considered a good food fish and eaten in its native range [ 8 ]
Mastacembelus armatus is a widespread Asian species found in both fresh and brackish water, but as currently defined it is likely a species complex [ 8 ]
Mastacembelus erythrotaenia is a relatively large, brightly marked Asian species that is highly prized in the aquarium trade [ 10 ]
Mastacembelus ellipsifer , one of the many species found only in Lake Tanganyika [ 6 ] [ 7 ]
Mastacembelus flavidus , another species found only in Lake Tanganyika [ 6 ] [ 7 ]