Zebra spiny eel (Macrognathus zebrinus)

Scientific name: Macrognathus zebrinus Blyth, 1858

The Zebra spiny eel (Macrognathus zebrinus) is a freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 23–26°C (73–79°F). Native range: Asia, Irrawaddy, Sittang, and Salween rivers in Myanmar. Reported from Indonesia.

Zebra spiny eel care at a glance

Temperature: 23–26°C (73–79°F)

Biology

Dorsal spines (total): 28 - 31; Dorsal soft rays (total): 49-55; Anal soft rays: 48 - 59; Vertebrae: 72 - 74. Side of body with series of thin, dark vertical bars with pale outlines; caudal fin vertically striated with small black spots.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Macrognathus zebrinus
Family: Mastacembelidae (Spiny eels)
Order: Synbranchiformes (Spiny eels)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 46.0
Environment: Freshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 15 benthopelagic
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: Asia: Irrawaddy, Sittang, and Salween rivers in Myanmar. Reported from Indonesia.
Conservation status (IUCN): Least Concern (LC)
Threat to humans: Harmless
Uses: Fisheries: minor commercial; aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)