Zebra Spiny Eel, Short-Finned Spiny Eel Mastacembelus zebrinus | Pictures
SYN: Macrognathus
zebrinus
PD: The back is light yellow-brown.
The flanks are a little darker and the belly
is yellowish white.
A fine golden line extends from the eye, back to the rear area of the fish.
Just
below this line is a broader, dark stripe that follows the golden stripe until the midsection.
The body is marked with many transverse
brown-black stripes.
SIZE: To 6" (15 cm) in captivity, 18” (45 cm) in nature.
SS: Other Mastacembelus
and Aethiomastacembelus
species.
HAB: Found in streams with heavy vegetation and water falls in Eastern India.
S: bottom
TANK: A tank measuring 24” (61 cm) with a volume of 20 gallons (75
L) is recommended for small fish, under
4” (10 cm).
Follow suggestions under M.
circumcinctus.
WATER: pH 6-8 (7.0), 6-25 dH (10), 75-82°F (24-28°C), some salt can be added if
desired
SB: A peaceful fish ideal for a community tank.
Gets along well with own species as
long as they are similar in size.
SC: Large Gouramis, Knifefish, Giant Danios, large Loaches, Loricarids, Eartheaters, Acaras,
Cichlasomines, Asian Catfish
FOOD: Live; Tubifex,
fish, Brine Shrimp, mosquito larvae, bloodworms,
Cyclops.
SEX: Only distinguishable when mature-females plumper
B: Unsuccessful in captivity
BP: 10.
This species has not be bred in captivity.
R: Will burrow in substrate and disappear for days, even weeks. Spends most of the day
buried with its snout sticking just out of the gravel.
DC: 5.
A robust fish, more suited to community tanks than other eels.
This species diet must include live
foods.
