The Marbled Swamp Eel (Synbranchus marmoratus) is a fish with scales that is quite common in Brazil. The species is also popularly known as “Mussum”, Swamp Eel and Water Snake. Below, check out a complete Marbled Swamp Eel care guide. Learn about water parameters, food and feeding, appearance, behavior, tank mates, reproduction and aquarium setup.
Marbled Swamp Eel – Care Guide
Technical Details
Name: Marbled Swamp Eel, Mussum, Swamp Eel, Water Snake;
Scientific Name: Synbranchus marmoratus (Bloch, 1795);
Family: Synbranchidae;
Species Origin: Central and South America (Southern Mexico to Northern Argentina);
Length: Up to 59 inches;
Life Span: 15 years or more;
Care Level: Moderate;
Water Parameters
pH: 6.0 – 8.0;
Water Hardness: Indifferent;
Temperature: Must be kept between 22 – 34°C;
Distribution / Habitat
The Marbled Swamp Ell inhabits the waters ranging from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. In Brazil, for example, it can be found in all river basins.
The species inhabits lakes, marshes, streams, as well as rivers and swamps with abundant aquatic vegetation and very poor in dissolved oxygen. Therefore, he can survive long periods buried in mud. In addition, it has already been found inhabiting the interior of caves and burrows on the banks of rivers. There are reports of this fish in brackish water environments.
During the dry season, the Marbled Swamp Eel digs tube-shaped burrows, where it remains in a lethargic state until the onset of rains, or if a threat arises. Its skin releases a large amount of mucus, and thus remains moist, while physiological changes in the kidneys and liver ensure survival without food.
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Description
The Marble Swamp Eel is a fish with scales that has a gill opening located under the head. It has a serpentine shape, that is, it resembles a snake. The eyes are small and located at the front of the head.
The fish color ranges from dark gray to brown, with some darker spots scattered over the head and back. In addition, it doesn’t have pectoral or pelvic fins, and the dorsal and anal fins merge with the caudal one.
The Swamp Eel has air breathing, that is, it can breathe out of the water, thanks to the highly vascularized pharynx, which works like a lung for the fish. Due to these highly developed characteristics, the fish is able to move from one body of water to another nearby, just by crawling between them.
The species also lacks a swim bladder, which makes it even more like true eels. However, the vast majority of fish have two lateral openings (gills), one on each side of the head, but the Swamp Eel has only a single gill slit composed of a ventral orifice, which helps it to capture oxygen for the breathing process. .
The name “Mussum” originates from the “Tupi” native brazilian language “mu’su” or “mu’sim”, which means “slippery”. As it secretes a large amount of mucus, as its skin contains many mucous glands, it ended up earning this popular name.
The Swamp Eel is usually used both as bait for fishing and for human consumption.
Foods and Feeding
The Marbled Swamp Eel is a carnivorous fish with nocturnal habits. In nature, it feeds on live food, mainly crustaceans, molluscs and small fish, but also insects, earthworms and vegetable matter.
In an fish tank, the fish will readily accept live food and feed.
Temperament / Behavior
The Marbled Swamp Eel has peaceful behavior, although it can eat any fish that fits in his mouth. He tends to come out of his hiding place more often at night.
In addition, this fish is one of the coolest to have in an aquarium, as it’s usually very intelligent and can even interact with its owner.
When it’s well adapted to the captive environment, for example, the Swamp Eel will walk everywhere, not just at the bottom, and may even have part of its body out of the water. Therefore, I recommend that you put a lid on the tank to avoid problems.
Tank Mates
The Marbled Swamp Eel can coexist with several other peaceful species. However, he’s known to eat invertebrates and small fish. Therefore, try to add it only with other fish of medium / large size and that inhabit the middle and upper region of the tank.
Sexual Differences
It’s not possible to differentiate male and female Marbled Swamp Eel through external observation.
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Reproduction
Oviparous. During reproduction periods, the Swamp Eel lays his eggs in burrows, which end up serving as nests. However, each of these nests can contain up to 30 eggs and larvae at different stages of growth. In fact, this is an indication that this fish produces multiple clutches throughout the breeding season. The male is the one who takes care of the fry.
Above all, the species has a reproductive biology known as protogy. Females can change sex, becoming males. These individuals are known as secondary males.
Sex change in adult individuals involves the degeneration of gonadal tissue of the first sex and the growth and maturation of tissue of the opposite sex, replacing the previous one.
Aquarium Setup
The aquarium for one Marble Swamp Eel needs to be at least 132 gallons.
You can add a sandy substrate or even fine sand. Regarding decoration, try to create shelters and caves with rocks, logs, as well as roots and any other types of ornaments.
References
Kullander, S.O., 2003. Family Synbranchidae (Swamp-eels). p. 594-595. In R.E. Reis, S.O. Kullander and C.J. Ferraris, Jr. (eds.) Checklist of the Freshwater Fishes of South and Central America. Porto Alegre: EDIPUCRS, Brasil. (Ref. 79717);
Andrea, M., 1971. Contribuição ao estudo da biologia e do cariotipo do muçum Synbranchus marmoratus. Ciênc. Cult;
Foresti, F., M.I.L.C. Carnieto and W. Nakamoto, 1982. Estudos cromossômicos em populaçoes de Synbranchus marmoratus Bloch, 1795 (Pisces, Synbranchidae). Ciênc. Cult;
Pavanelli, C.S. and E.P. Caramaschi, 1997. Composition of the ichthyofauna of two small tributaries of the Paraná river, Porto Roci, Paraná State, Brazil. Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwat;
Oyakawa, O.T., A. Akama, K.C. Mautari and J.C. Nolasco, 2006. Peixes de riachos da Mata Atlântica nas Unidades de Conservação do Vale do Rio Ribeira de Iguape no Estado de São Paulo. Editora Neotrópica, São Paulo;
