Mastacembelus armatus is a large elongated fish that has a snake-like body without pelvic fins.
  Its anal and dorsal fins are elongated and are connected to the caudal fin.
The dorsal fin is preceded by numerous spines.
The back is dark beige in color while the head is silver-beige.
 The body's color is dull brown and the belly is a lighter shade of brown.
The body may also be marked with brown circular patterns.
The body also have one to three darker longitudinal zigzag lines that connect to form a distinct reticulated pattern that is restricted to the dorsal two-thirds of the body.
 The eyes have brown stripes running laterally through them.

Mastacembelus armatus can reach up to 36" (91 cm) in its natural habitat but does not usually exceed 20" (51 cm) in captivity.

Despite its eel-like appearance, Mastacembelus armatus is not considered a true eel.
Mastacembelus armatus is a large elongated fish that has a snake-like body without pelvic fins.   Its anal and dorsal fins are elongated and are connected to the caudal fin. The dorsal fin is preceded by numerous spines. The back is dark beige in color while the head is silver-beige.  The body's color is dull brown and the belly is a lighter shade of brown. The body may also be marked with brown circular patterns. The body also have one to three darker longitudinal zigzag lines that connect to form a distinct reticulated pattern that is restricted to the dorsal two-thirds of the body.  The eyes have brown stripes running laterally through them.
Mastacembelus armatus can reach up to 36" (91 cm) in its natural habitat but does not usually exceed 20" (51 cm) in captivity.
Despite its eel-like appearance, Mastacembelus armatus is not considered a true eel.
Zig-zag eel