Tanganyikan Spiny Eel (Mastacembelus ellipsifer)

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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[edit]

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.


Sexing[edit]

It's not possible to visually sex this fish.


Tank compatibility[edit]

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[edit]

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


Feeding regime[edit]

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics[edit]

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[edit]

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


Identification[edit]

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[edit]

External links[edit]