It is found in Lake Tanganyika which is bordered by Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Zambia.

Like other members of its genus, Mastacembelus platysoma is an elongated, eel-like fish and has a long snout with a pair of tubulated nostrils.

[2] Mastacembelus platysoma is one of fourteen species of spiny eel which live in Lake Tanganyika.

These fish have radiated from a common ancestor, each one developing specialist adaptations fitting it for a different ecological niche in the lake.

[4] The IUCN has listed Mastacembelus platysoma as being of "Least Concern" as it has a wide distribution in the lake and no major threats have been identified.