How to Identify Tire Track Eel

To identify Tire Track Eel (Mastacembelus favus), look at these key features.

Physical Characteristics

Body shape

eel-like

Coloration

The base body color ranges from light brown to olive-green, overlaid with a complex, dark brown to black labyrinthine or reticulated pattern resembling tire tracks. The belly is typically lighter, often off-white or pale yellow. The pattern extends onto the dorsal and anal fins.

Scale type

cycloid

Mouth position

terminal

Distinctive features

Elongated, snake-like body., Distinctive 'tire track' or labyrinthine pattern., Small, pointed snout with a fleshy appendage (rostral appendage) at the tip., Numerous small, sharp dorsal spines preceding the soft-rayed dorsal fin., Small, rounded pectoral fins.

Dorsal fin

Consists of 30-40 isolated, sharp spines followed by a soft-rayed portion with 60-90 rays, continuous with the caudal fin.

Tail fin

Small, rounded, and confluent with the dorsal and anal fins.

Pectoral fin

Small and rounded, positioned just behind the operculum.

Distinctive fins

Anal fin has 3 spines followed by 60-90 soft rays, also confluent with the caudal fin. Pelvic fins are absent.

Identification Tips

1. 1

   Body Pattern

   Look for the characteristic dark, intricate, labyrinthine or 'tire track' pattern against a lighter brown or olive background. This is the most defining feature.

2. 2

   Body Shape

   Its extremely elongated, eel-like body is unmistakable among freshwater fish in its range.

3. 3

   Snout

   Observe the pointed snout with a small, fleshy rostral appendage, which is typical for Mastacembelus species.

4. 4

   Dorsal Spines

   Note the series of numerous, distinct, sharp spines along the back before the soft-rayed dorsal fin. These are separate from the fin membrane.

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