Tanganyikan Spiny Eel (Mastacembelus ellipsifer)
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Tanganyikan Spiny Eel
Tanganyikan Spiny Eel
Mastacembelus ellipsifer
284 Litres (75 US G.)
40-45 cm (15.7-17.7")
Freshwater
8.0 - 9.5
22.8-27.2°C (73 -81 °F)
8-25 °d
1:1 M:F
8-12 years
Family
Mastacembelidae
Contents
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
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
)
