−13%
Moderate
Half-Banded Spiny Eel (Macrognathus circumcinctus)
24–27°C
£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.
Bottom DwellerFreshwater FishIntermediate CareLarge Aquarium FishMarbled Spiny EelMastacembelus armatusOddball FishPredatory Fish
Product Details
Species
Mastacembelus armatus
Water Parameters
Temperature
24–28°C
24°CIdeal28°C
pH Level
6–7.5
6Ideal7.5
Mastacembelus armatus
Zig-zag Spiny Eel (Mastacembelus armatus)
Predatory
−15% Special Offer
£10.19£11.99You save £1.80Sold Out
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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.
Bottom DwellerFreshwater FishIntermediate CareLarge Aquarium FishMarbled Spiny EelMastacembelus armatusOddball FishPredatory Fish
Product Details
Species
Mastacembelus armatus
Water Parameters
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Temperature
24–28°C
24°CIdeal28°C
pH Level
6–7.5
6Ideal7.5
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.
Quick facts
| 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 |
Care and setup
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.
Feeding
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.
Tank mates
Good comparisons include Spotted Fire Eel, Barred Spiny Eel, Half Banded Spiny Eel and Zebra Spiny Eel. For another specialist oddball, compare Freshwater Moray.
Arrival and guarantee
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.
You might also like
For related oddball fish, compare Spotted Fire Eel, Half Banded Spiny Eel, Zebra Spiny Eel and Freshwater Moray.
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What customers say about ordering from us
4.6 on Google Maps, rated 4.6 out of 5 (opens in a new tab)4.4 · 91 shop reviews read them, rated 4.4 out of 5
- 4 out of 5Verified buyer
I have a small group of long finned mountain minnows. So was delighted to be able to order ten of this variety to increase the genetics in my tank . The ones I recieved are healthy but it’s to early to give a verdict on wether they are of a long finned type since they are small currently.
Gordon Walker · 23 Sept 2026
- 5 out of 5Verified buyer
100% success travel and "installation". Pleased with quality of purchase. The Siamese fighter a bit "shy" so have not yet seen him at his best yet but looking good. Happy customer. GG
George E Garratt · 21 Sept 2026
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