Fire Eel
Fire eels are the most sought-after eel for larger fish tanks. These eels have personality, size, and color. Unfortunately they will eat small fish. They require live and frozen food but may be trained to feed on sinking pellets. Fire eels are so named for the bright red line that goes along the whole length of their body.
****This item does not ship to Texas or Florida****
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Mastacembelus erythrotaenia |
|---|---|
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful with fish its size |
| Adult Size | Up to 2–3 feet |
FAQ
What kind of food do fire eels prefer?
Fire eels require live and frozen food but can be trained to accept sinking pellets.
Are fire eels aggressive toward other fish?
Fire eels are peaceful with fish of similar size but will eat smaller fish.
Can fire eels be kept in a community tank?
Only with larger, non-susceptible fish. They are not suitable for tanks with small or slow-moving species.
Jan Turner –
The fire eel is striking in appearance with a vibrant red stripe. It’s active and curious, and after a few weeks it started accepting sinking pellets. I keep it in a 120-gallon tank with larger fish, and it hasn’t harmed any of them. Requires regular feeding with live food, but worth the effort.
Owen Avery –
Beautiful fish with a unique look. It’s not aggressive, but it does eat small fish, so I removed a few tiny species. Feeding it live food is essential. It’s a showpiece in my tank and very engaging.
Tim Metcalfe –
The red stripe is impressive. It’s active and seems to enjoy the tank environment. I had to adjust feeding to include frozen food, which took some time to get used to. Not ideal for beginners due to feeding needs.