Common in freshwater wetlands, paddy fields, irrigation canals and other waterways, known by many names the Belut, Belut Paya, Belut Sawah, Asian Swamp Eel, Freshwater Eel, or Rice Swamp Eel.

The specimen in the photo was caught at the river mouth of the Sungai Langat the other day, close to a mangrove forest.

The belut is also used for food and medicinal purposes.

As a local delicacy, the belut is eaten grilled, fried or steamed.

But this is not the same eel as the unagi eel, also known as the Japanese eel. The unagi eel is much larger growing up to 1.5 m in length. The belut grows only up to about 30cm in length.

Though common, the belut is under threat due to reduction in their natural habitat, pollution of waterways and wetlands, and overfishing.

Malaysia is rich in nature biodiversity, let’s promote awareness and protect nature’s sustainability.