Malawi spinyeel

Mastacembelus shiranus

Eel beneath African Waters

Tropical
Local endemic species
Restricted distribution
Freshwater fish
Africa
Anguilliform
Medium
Tropical fish

The Malawi spinyeel (Mastacembelus shiranus) is a species of fish in the family Mastacembelidae from Africa. It is endemic to the Lake Malawi basin, including the main lake itself, Lake Malombe and the lower Shire River. It is the only described species of spinyeel in Lake Malawi, but a brightly marked variant, Mastacembelus sp.

Class: Teleosts
Order: Swamp Eels
Family: Mastacembelidae
Genus: Mastacembelus
Maximum length: 26 cm
Water: Freshwater
Body shape: anguilliform
Distribution: Africa: Endemic to Lake Malawi and lower course of inflowing rivers.
Conservation status: LCLeast Concern

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