Fire Eel fish for your fresh water tank

The Fire Eel (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia) is a species of freshwater fish known for its striking appearance and unique behavior. Despite its name, it's not actually an eel, but rather a type of spiny eel.

Appearance:
Coloration: Fire eels have a deep red to orange coloration along their bodies, which is where they get their "fire" name from. Their bodies are elongated and cylindrical, and they often have dark vertical bands along their sides.
Size: They can grow quite large, typically reaching around 30 inches (76 cm) in length, although in captivity they may grow a bit smaller.
Body Shape: They have long, snake-like bodies with a series of spines on their dorsal fins. Their fins are long and run along the body, helping them move smoothly through the water.

Habitat:
Native Range: Fire eels are native to Southeast Asia, particularly in countries like Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos. They are commonly found in slow-moving rivers, streams, and ponds with dense vegetation.
Water Conditions: They thrive in warm, soft, and slightly acidic water, which is typical of their natural habitat. They also prefer calm, low-light environments.

Behavior and Care in Aquariums:
Diet: In the wild, fire eels are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of small fish, invertebrates, and plant matter. In captivity, they will accept a diet of high-quality pellets, frozen foods (like bloodworms and shrimp), and live foods.
Temperament: They are generally peaceful but can be a bit shy. Due to their size and potential for aggression towards smaller tank mates, it's best to keep them with larger, non-aggressive fish.

Tank Requirements: A large aquarium (at least 75 gallons or more) is essential to accommodate their size and active nature. They need plenty of hiding spots and soft substrate to burrow in. They also like having a tank with plenty of plants and places to explore.

Lifespan:
Fire eels can live up to 10-15 years in captivity with proper care, although their lifespan may be shorter if water quality or diet is not adequately maintained.