Fig 1
Fig 2
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Order : Synbranchiformes
Family
: MASTACEMBELIDAE
Species : Macrognathus zebrinus
Total Length (includes tail fin) : 46 cm
(Fishbase, 2026)
Macrognathus zebrinus
(Zebra Spiny Eel) is a
native of the Irrawaddy, Salween and Sittang river drainages in Myanmar and
some neighbouring territories. It is recognised as an established alien species in Singapore,
where it appears to be successfully breeding in coastal reservoirs, including Kranji
Reservoir and Lower Seletar Reservoir (Ng, 2010).
This species reaches up to 46 cm total length. It can be identified in the
field by its unusual body shape, and by the regularly spaced, oblique, dark
bars with pale outlines which are present on the flanks; these extend onto the
tail where they are less continuous and may be broken into
vertically-oriented rows of spots.
Macrognathus zebrinus is mainly a bottom-dweller, typically remaining hidden amongst
aquatic plants and organic debris by day. The example shown here was found at night in
shallow water.
Thwin et al (2026) describe the species as highly adaptable and resilient,
noting its significant presence in the lower delta of the Irrawaddy River
(i.e. brackish conditions), despite it traditionally being classified as a
freshwater-associated species.
Fig 1 : Example Macrognathus zebrinus photographed at night in an
inlet of the Lower Seletar Reservoir in Singapore, where the species
has been introduced.
Fig 2 : Inlet of Lower Seletar Reservoir, Singapore, surrounded by young
secondary regrowth forest.
Fig 3 : Irrawaddy River, Myanmar; Macrognathus zebrinus inhabits
many parts of this extensive river system, particularly the lower delta
area.
References and
links :
Ng, H. H. (2010). The Zebra Spiny Eel (Macrognathus
zebrinus) - non-native species in Singapore (Synbranchiformes:
Mastacembelidae). Cosmos, 6(01): 91-93.
Thwin, K. K. T., Thiri Htet, Caixin Liu, Htet Naing Nay, Tao Qin, Htet
Zaw Phyo, Jiang Bai, Jianbing Lyu, Thaung Naing Oo & Xiaoyong Chen.
(2026). A Multi-Scale Assessment of Estuarine Fish Communities in
Irrawaddy Delta. Ecology and Diversity, 3(3), 10009.
Fishbase
- Macrognathus zebrinus
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