| Family: |
Mastacembelidae (Spiny eels) |
| Max. size: |
30 cm SL (male/unsexed) |
| Environment: |
benthopelagic; freshwater |
| Distribution: |
Asia: Mekong, Chao Phraya (Ref. 43281), Maeklong, Peninsular and Southeast Thailand river systems (Ref. 26336). |
| Diagnosis: |
Dorsal spines (total): 13-19; Dorsal soft rays (total): 53-53; Anal soft rays: 49-49; Vertebrae: 75-75. Distinguishable by its dorsal spine count of 13-19 and a series of 3-6 conspicuous ocelli along the base of the soft dorsal fin (Ref. 27732). The ocelli along the base of the dorsal fin are much larger than those in M. aral and the dorsal and caudal fins lack the fine striations seen in M. aral and M. meklongensis (Ref. 39392). Dorsal, caudal and anal fins not fused (Ref. 43281). |
| Biology: |
Adults are found at bottom depths in slow-moving or standing waters often buried in the silt, sand, or fine gravel with only a portion of the head protruding from the bottom (Ref. 12693). They enter flooded forest (Ref. 9497). Emerges at dusk to forage for food. Foof consists of benthic insect larvae, crustaceans, and worms (Ref. 12693). Migratory behaviour is undetermined (Ref. 126106). Marketed fresh and often seen in the aquarium trade (Ref. 12693). |
| IUCN Red List Status: |
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 24 February 2011 Ref. (130435)
|
| Threat to humans: |
harmless |
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