Fire Eel 8-10" (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia)

Distribution: Thailand and Cambodia over to Indonesia Length: 39", 20" in captivity Care: Fire eels are very easy to keep and with there vibrant red markings they add a beautiful additon to any tank.  They like to burrow there body in caves or any openings with there head popping out.  They are not aggressive and will do good in a community tank.  They grow slow but will get up to 20". Water Temperature: 75 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit (24-28 degrees Celsius) Diet: Scavengers eating anything that will fall to the bottom of the tank, live foods (Black worms,Brine Shrimp, Mosquito larvae), Frozen any small pieces that they can fit in there mouth.  pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline (7.0-8.0) Lifespan: Not known, They have been reported to live up to 20 years. Breeding spawnings have been reported in captivity in large 125+ gallon tanks. The pH was neutral and the hardness was moderate (dH 10-15).  The temperature was warm 78 degrees. 800-1200 eggs were laid in floating plants. Not much is known  about the breeding procedure.  The babies grow very fast at thier early stages provided they are properly fed.