The Spiny Back Eel, commonly referring to species within the Mastacembelidae family such as the Fire Eel (Mastacembelus erythrotaenia) and the Peacock Eel (Macrognathus siamensis), is a freshwater fish native to Southeast Asia. Recognized for their elongated, eel-like bodies and distinctive dorsal spines, these eels inhabit rivers, lakes, and floodplains across countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Indonesia. The fishing industry surrounding Spiny Back Eels is largely artisanal and subsistence-based, with local communities harvesting them for food and the ornamental aquarium trade. Thailand and Indonesia stand out as leading countries in both wild capture and aquaculture production of these eels, exporting significant numbers to international aquarium markets. While not a major commercial fishery compared to other species, the Spiny Back Eel holds economic and cultural importance in these regions, but overfishing and habitat loss have raised conservation concerns in recent years.
| Rank | Country | Metric Tons |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Zealand | 6 |
Data from FAO. 2025. Global Capture Production. In: Fisheries and Aquaculture.