Zig-zag eel
📖 Overview
Adults live in highland streams to lowland wetlands . Usually found in streams and rivers with sand, pebble, or boulder substrate. They seldom leave the bottom except when disturbed. Also occur in still waters, both in coastal marshes and dry zone tanks. Sometimes stays partially buried in fine substrate. Enter flooded forest . Reported to occur in areas with rocky bottoms in the Mekong mainstream during the dry season, but enter canals, lakes and other floodplain areas during the flood season . Forages at night on benthic insect larvae, worms and some submerged plant material . Common during the summer months. Marketed fresh and frequently seen in the aquarium trade . Economic important species, both food and aquarium trades .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 33 - 40; Dorsal soft rays (total): 67 - 82; Anal soft rays: 67 - 83; Vertebrae: 87 - 98. Body dull brown with 1-3 darker, longitudinal zigzag lines, more or less connected to form a reticulated pattern, more or less distinct and restricted to the dorsal two thirds of the body .: eel-like.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Zig-zag eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Zig-zag eel is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Zig-zag eel is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; brackish; demersal; pH range: 6.5 - 7.5; dH range: ? - 15; potamodromous . Tropical; 22°C - 28°C ; 38°N - 1°N
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Zig-zag eel is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Per 100g cooked - Source: USDA FoodData Central
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Protein | 17.4 g |
| Omega-3 (total) | 126 mg |
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Zig-zag eel has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Baim (big) · Tire-trak Spinyeel · Zig-zag eel · marbled spiny eel · spiny eel · tire-track eel · tire-track spiny eel · tiretrack eel · zigzag eel |
| 🌍BEN | Bami · শাল বাইম |
| 🌍HIN | Baam |
| 🌍KHM | ត្រីខ្ជឹង |
| 🌍NEP | Bam |
| 🇨🇳Chinese | 大刺鳅 |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macrognathus armatus | Lacepède | 1800 | Synonym |
| Macrognathus caudatus | McClelland | 1842 | Synonym |
| Macrognathus hamiltoni | McClelland | 1844 | Synonym |
| Mastacembelus armatus armatus | Lacepède | 1800 | Synonym |
| Mastacembelus manipurensis | Hora | 1921 | Synonym |
| Mastacembelus marmoratus | Cuvier | 1832 | Synonym |
| Mastacembelus ponticerianus | Cuvier | 1832 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 29 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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