Mastacembelus ophidium Günther, 1894
Mastacembelus ophidium
photo by FAO

Family:  Mastacembelidae (Spiny eels)
Max. size:  33 cm TL (male/unsexed)
Environment:  demersal; freshwater
Distribution:  Africa: endemic to Lake Tanganyika.
Diagnosis:  Vertebrae: 95-95
Biology:  Inhabits sandy shores. A very secretive fish which hides between rocks or in the sediments (Ref. 4967).
IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern (LC); Date assessed: 31 January 2006 Ref. (130435)
Threat to humans:  harmless


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