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African Spiny EelOcellated Spiny EelFamily: Mastacembelidae Mastacembelus vanderwaaliPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken ChildsLatest Reader Comment - See More Does anyone know where I can buy an ocellated african eel? brittaney vanzant The African Spiny Eel or Ocellated Spiny Eel has a most definite and unusual color pattern!African Spiny Eel Contents As with most members of the spiny eel family, the attractiveness of this eel lies in its unusual color pattern andinteresting behavior. Although not considered to be true eels, the body shapes of all members of the spiny eel family, Mastacembelidae, are definitely eel-like. There are many species in the spiny eel family that come from Africa, so fish sold as African Spiny Eels or Ocellated Spiny Eel may not always be Mastacembelus vanderwaali. As long as the spiny eel you purchase is a river dweller, the care and handling should be the same as for this species. For more Information on keeping freshwater fish see: |
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Habitat: Distribution / Background
The African Spiny Eel or Ocellated Spiny Eel was described by Skelton in 1976. (Junior synonym: Aethiomastacembelus vanderwaali.) They are found on the Zambezi and Okavango Rivers in Africa.
- Scientific Name: Mastacembelus vanderwaali
- Social Grouping: Solitary
- IUCN Red List: LC - Least Concern
The body of the African Spiny Eel is elongated with a long snout. Its background coloration is a dark tan to light brown. Along the length of its body in the center is a broken line of dark blotches or short vertical stripes. This pattern extends from the tip of its mouth to the rear of the fish. There is additional spotting below this central marking along with a faint spotted line above.
- Maximum Size: 12.0 inches (30.48 cm) - This fish usually reaches a more modest 7 inches in the home aquarium.
- Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy
- Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
The African Spiny Eels or Ocellated Spiny Eels are carnivores. Spiny eels prefer a diet of live or fresh frozen foods such as brine shrimp, black worms, earthworms or bloodworms. Some can be trained to eat freeze dried brine shrimp or bloodworms but this is not something that can be counted on. They will also eat small fishes so make sure their tank mates are too large to be able to fit into their mouths.
If their tank has sand or fine gravel, they may burrow into it. Make sure they have plenty of hiding places so they will feel secure in their new home. It is advisable to keep small specimens up to 6 inches in a tank that is at least 36 inches long and about 35 gallons. Larger specimens will needing an even bigger area, tanks that are 48 inches in length or longer and 55 gallons and up will be necessary. Provide a tight fitting lid as spiny eels are escape artists.
- Diet Type: Carnivore
- Flake Food: No
- Tablet Pellet: No
- Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
- Meaty Food: Some of Diet
- Feeding Frequency: Several feedings per day
- Water Changes: Bi-weekly
- Minimum Tank Size: 35 gal (132 L)
- Substrate Type: Any
- Lighting Needs: Moderate - normal lighting
- Temperature: 74.0 - 82.0° F (23.3 - 27.8° C)
- Range ph: 7.4-8.4
- Hardness Range: - Unknown.
- Brackish: No
- Water Movement: Strong
- Water Region: Bottom
They are very peaceful, although they may eat fish that are small enough to fit into their mouth.
- Venomous: No
- Temperament: Peaceful - This fish is not aggressive but will eat tank-mates that are small and slow enough.
- Compatible with:
- Same species - conspecifics: Yes
- Peaceful fish (): Safe
- Semi-Aggressive: (): Monitor
- Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: Safe - not aggressive
- Plants: Safe
Sexual differences are unknown.
Has not been bred in captivity.
- Ease of Propagation: Unknown - There have been no captive breedings to date.
Although not considered rare, collecting expeditions to their home waters are rare. Consequently the African Spiny Eel or Ocellated Spiny Eel are not commonly available.
Animal-World References
Freshwater Fish and Plants
Tropical Fish ~ Freshwater Fish ~ Aquatic Plants
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