| Mastacembelidae (Spiny eels) |
| 63.5 cm TL (male/unsexed) |
|
benthopelagic; freshwater; brackish |
| Asia: Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar. |
|
Dorsal spines (total): 16-23; Dorsal soft rays (total): 44-45. Caudal fin rays 15 and caudal fin distinctly separated from dorsal and anal fins (Ref. 97143). |
| Occurs in running and stagnant waters (Ref. 4833). Found in fresh and brackish waters and deltas of large rivers, common in ponds and slow flowing rivers with vegetation in plains (Ref. 41236). Inhabits still waters with silt or mud substrate. Believed to be common in rice paddy fields. Nocturnal feeder, on insects and worms. |
|
Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 23 January 2010 Ref. (130435)
|
| harmless |
|
Decline of a previously common population is due to agrochemicals and possibly pressure from exotic species (Ref. 11966). Used to be utilized as a food fish. Also Ref. 4833, 41236. |
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