−13%
Moderate
Half-Banded Spiny Eel (Macrognathus circumcinctus)
24–27°C · pH 6–7.5 · 200L
£17.39£19.99
Large patterned spiny eel for experienced keepers with a covered, sand-based aquarium and robust tank mates too large to swallow.
Mastacembelus armatus
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Large patterned spiny eel for experienced keepers with a covered, sand-based aquarium and robust tank mates too large to swallow.
24–27°C · pH 6–7.5 · 200L
24–28°C · pH 7–8.2 · 500L
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 1000L
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Zig-zag Spiny Eel (Mastacembelus armatus) is a large freshwater oddball also known as the Tire-Track or Marbled Spiny Eel. It is not a true eel, but a spiny eel that uses a pointed snout to search through sand and shaded cover. Choose it only if you can provide floor space, a tight lid and tank mates that are too large to be eaten.
| Scientific name | Mastacembelus armatus |
|---|---|
| Adult size | 45-60 cm |
| Minimum aquarium | 400 litres recommended for long-term care |
| Temperature | 24-28 C |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Temperament | Peaceful with large fish, predatory toward small fish |
| Diet | Meaty sinking foods, worms, krill and carnivore pellets |
Use smooth sand, wood, caves and dimmer areas so the fish can bury and retreat. Cover every gap around pipes and cables because spiny eels can escape from surprisingly small openings. Mature filtration and stable water matter more than a bright display layout.
Feed after lights dim with earthworm pieces, bloodworm, krill, mussel, prawn and quality carnivore pellets. Remove leftovers quickly because large meaty foods can foul the water.
Good comparisons include Spotted Fire Eel, Barred Spiny Eel, Half Banded Spiny Eel and Zebra Spiny Eel. For another specialist oddball, compare Freshwater Moray.
Order only when the aquarium is mature, covered and ready for a large bottom-dwelling fish. Livestock is packed for dispatch across the UK and sent by a licensed live-animal courier where live-animal shipping applies. Livestock orders are covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
For related oddball fish, compare Spotted Fire Eel, Half Banded Spiny Eel, Zebra Spiny Eel and Freshwater Moray.
