Buff-backed Spiny Eel (Macrognathus maculatus)
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| A small Buff-backed Spiny Eel found foraging in a slow-moving forest stream. |
Family: Mastacembelidae
Species Name: Macrognathus maculatus
Common Name: Buff-backed Spiny Eel
Presence in Singapore: Native
Habitat: Freshwater forest streams
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (Red Data Book 3)
Common Name: Buff-backed Spiny Eel
Presence in Singapore: Native
Habitat: Freshwater forest streams
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered (Red Data Book 3)
The Buff-backed Spiny Eel is a rarely seen species in Singapore where it is restricted to the Nee Soon Swamp Forest and its surroundings. This eel is recognized by its relatively long snout typical of spiny eels and having a brown, mottled body. It can grow up to 28cm long but is usually found at half that length or less.
This nocturnal fish hides among vegetation and in the substrate during the day. It emerges at night, poking around the sediment to search for small invertebrates that can fit in its also small mouth. It is critically endangered in Singapore as it is threatened by habitat loss and the presence of invasive species.
This nocturnal fish hides among vegetation and in the substrate during the day. It emerges at night, poking around the sediment to search for small invertebrates that can fit in its also small mouth. It is critically endangered in Singapore as it is threatened by habitat loss and the presence of invasive species.
References
- Lim, K.P. and Ng, K.L. 1990. A Guide to the Freshwater Fishes of Singapore. Singapore Science Centre.
- National Parks Board (NParks). Freshwater Fishes. Retrieved from https://www.nparks.gov.sg/nature/species-list/freshwater-fishes.
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