Tanganyikan Spiny Eel (Mastacembelus ellipsifer)

From The Aquarium Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search

Tanganyikan Spiny Eel

Aethiomasta-ellipsif1.1.jpg
Tanganyikan Spiny Eel

Mastacembelus ellipsifer

284 Litres (75 US G.)

40-45 cm (15.7-17.7")

sg

Freshwater

pH

8.0 - 9.5

22.8-27.2°C (73 -81 °F)

8-25 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Live Foods
Other (See article)

8-12 years

Family

Mastacembelidae



Additional names

Tanganyikan Spiny Eel

Additional scientific names

Aethiomastacembelus ellipsifer, Afromastacembelus ellipsifer


Origin

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.


Sexing

It's not possible to visually sex this fish.


Tank compatibility

Best kept in a Tanganyikan community and with peaceful robust fish too large to be eaten. It can be territorial towards other Spiny Eels, so one to a tank.


Diet

Should accept most meaty foods including bloodworm, earthworms, shrimp and mussels.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

Requires hard alkaline conditions with plenty of places to hide in rock work. A sand substrate is preferred and dim lighting. They do not cope well with currents.


Behaviour

A predatory fish that is territorial towards its own kind. Will be peaceful towards fish too large to be eaten.


Identification

Typical Spiny Eel in shape with a long snout, it is pale cream-brown in colour with broad red-orange bands down the body.

Pictures

External links