Zig-Zag Eel (Mastacembelus circumcinctus)

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Zig-Zag Eel

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Zig-Zag Eel

Mastacembelus circumcinctus

170 Litres (45 US G.)

15.2-40.6cm (6-16 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.5 - 7.8

23.9-27.2°C (75 -81 °F)

6-25 °d

1:1 M:F

Carnivore
Live Foods

5-10 years

Family

Mastacembelidae



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