Family: Mastacembelidae
Mastacembelus erythrotaenia — a Mastacembelidae from Southeast Asia. Reaches 75–110 cm; keep at 24–30 °C.
A Mastacembelidae species native to Southeast Asia: Mastacembelus erythrotaenia lives bottom-dwelling over slow waters with dense vegetation and soft bottom. Predatory toward small tankmates; otherwise reclusive. Adults reach 75–110 cm. It is one of the aquarium-kept Mastacembelus species we profile, alongside Mastacembelus armatus.
Difficulty: moderate. Predatory toward small tankmates; otherwise reclusive. Singles; juveniles tolerate groups.
Hold 24–30 °C and keep it stable — 24–30 °C curated husbandry range. Heater for stable warmth.
Full size is 75–110 cm. Minimum tank: 500 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Carnivore; meaty sinking foods and live prey. Vary the menu — quality flakes or pellets plus frozen or live foods.
Predatory toward small tankmates; otherwise reclusive. Recommended tankmates: Similar-sized peaceful community fish — Similar size and water needs. Avoid Much smaller fish — May outcompete or bully tiny tankmates.
Comes from Southeast Asia: slow waters with dense vegetation and soft bottom. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.
It can jump when startled — keep the tank tightly covered, especially at night and during maintenance.
In the aquarium: not bred in home aquaria. Hard to distinguish.