| Mastacembelidae | |
|---|---|
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| Macrognathus siamensis | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Synbranchiformes |
| Suborder: | Mastacembeloidei |
| Family: | Mastacembelidae Swainson, 1839[1] |
| Type species | |
| Ophidium mastacembelus J. Banks & Solander, 1794[2] | |
| Genera | |
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TheMastacembelidae are a family offishes, known as thespiny eels. The Mastacembelids are part of the OrderSynbranchiformes, the swamp eels, which are part of theActinopterygii (ray-finned fishes).
In an evaluation of the family in 2004, the subfamilies of Mastacembelidae were found to not be well supported and were rejected. Also, the generaCaecomastacembelus andAethiomastacembelus were placed insynonymy withMastacembelus.[3]
These fish originate from Africa, and southern and eastern Asia.[3] Spiny eels generally inhabit soft-bottomed habitats in fresh and occasionallybrackish water. Some species burrow in the substrate during the day or for certain months and have been found buried in soil in drying periods.[4]
These fish have aneel-like body. The largest species can reach a maximum length of 1 m (3.3 ft).[3] Very characteristic of this group is the long nose appendage with two tubulated nostrils.[3] Mastacembelids have a series of well-separated dorsal spines on their back, hence the name of their family, spiny eels.[3]
In some areas these fish are regarded asfood fish. Several species of Mastacembelidae areaquarium fish, such as thefire eel.[4]
A fossil specimen of an indeterminate mastacembelid is known from theMiddle Miocene ofIki Island, Japan.[5]
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