Zig-Zag Eel (Mastacembelus circumcinctus)
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Zig-Zag Eel
Zig-Zag Eel
Mastacembelus circumcinctus
170 Litres (45 US G.)
15.2-40.6cm (6-16 ")
Freshwater
6.5 - 7.8
23.9-27.2°C (75 -81 °F)
6-25 °d
1:1 M:F
5-10 years
Family
Mastacembelidae
Contents
Additional names
- Zig-Zag Spiny Eel, Zig Zag Eel
Additional scientific names
- Macrognathus circumcinctus
Sexing
- Females grow faster, and are wider in girth. Males will stay much smaller, and are generally harassed by the larger females. Only possible to sex once the fish is mature. Not known to breed in captivity.
Tank compatibility
- A relatively peaceful fish provided it's tank mates are too large to be eaten. Does well with other peaceful but robust tank mates such as larger Loaches, Giant Danios, peaceful South American Cichlids such as Blue Acaras and larger Gouramis. Be sure there is nothing with it under 5.1cm (2").
Diet
- Will take most meaty foods including ghost shrimp, brine shrimp, bloodworm and tubifex. Prefers live food.
Feeding regime
- Feed once or twice a day but is nocturnal so may only feed after lights out.
Environment specifics
- Needs a relatively deep and soft sandy substrate and tunnels provided in PVC pipe etc. Will uproot any plants, any planting should be those bound to secure décor such as Java Fern. Any heavy décor should be sat on the bottom of the aquarium as the Eel's burrowing nature may cause collapse otherwise.
Behaviour
- Will burrow and is nocturnal. May not be seen for days.
Identification
- An elongated fish with a chunky snake-like body. It has a long Loach-like nose and it's body is cream in colour with many vertical deep grey bars.
Pictures
External links
- Fishbase (Mirrors:
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