The Whitespotted spiny eel (Mastacembelus albomaculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae that grows up to 22 cm.
Description
The whitespotted spiny eel is a spiny eel endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The species grows to about 22 cm and has a strongly elongate, eel-like body with a fleshy, snout-like extension above the mouth and a row of separate spines before the soft dorsal fin, characteristic of the spiny eels; white spots are scattered over the body. As a bottom-dweller the fish lives in rocky coastal zones and hunts small bottom animals. The fish is harmless to humans and is assessed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Whitespotted spiny eel?
The Whitespotted spiny eel has a snake-like body, is mainly brown and shows a spots pattern.
Where does the Whitespotted spiny eel live?
The Whitespotted spiny eel lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom.
How big does the Whitespotted spiny eel get?
The Whitespotted spiny eel grows to a maximum of about 22 cm.
Is the Whitespotted spiny eel dangerous to humans?
No, the Whitespotted spiny eel is harmless to humans.
Is the Whitespotted spiny eel edible?
The Whitespotted spiny eel is rarely eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Mastacembelus
More from the family Mastacembelidae
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