TIRE TRACK EEL

The Tire Track Eel Mastacembelus favus is one of the best known spiny eels. This fish owes its popularity not only to its color pattern, but also to a readily understood common name and its common availability. It has a large natural distribution and many variations to its color pattern, but most populations have the distinct 'tire track' or 'zig zag' type markings.

Although not considered to be true eels, the body shapes of all members of the spiny eel family, Mastacembelidae, are definitely eel-like. The Tire Track Eel has an elongated body and a long snout. Its background color is tan to light brown with irregular 'tire track' like markings along the entire length of its body that reach from the top of its back down to its belly. It is also called Tiretrack Eel, Zig Zag Eel, and White Spotted Spinyeel.