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African Spiny Eel

Ocellated Spiny Eel Family: Mastacembelidae

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Mastacembelus vanderwaali Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Ken Childs

   The African Spiny Eel or Ocellated Spiny Eel has a most definite and unusual color pattern!

   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:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Distribution:
   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.

Status:
   The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.

Description:
   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.

Size - Weight:
   These fish can get up to 12 inches (30 cm), though usually seen around 6 inches (15 cm) in captivity.

Care and feeding:
   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.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   The Spiny eels will spend most of their time on the bottom of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Temp: 74 - 82° F (23 – 28° C)
   Ph: 7.4 - 8.4

Social Behaviors:
  They are very peaceful, although they may eat fish that are small enough to fit into their mouth.

Sexual Differences:
   Sexual differences are unknown.

Breeding/Reproduction:
   Has not been bred in captivity.

Availability:
   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.

Author: Ken Childs
Additional Information: Clarice Brough, CFS

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Latest Comments
I have had two spiny eels for about 2 years now. They used to get along well but in time one grew much bigger and started chasing the other. Nothing serius happened but constantly chases the smaller one. But interestingly not when eating...They both feed head to head. One other problem is that they have not been eating something other than bloodworms(live or frozen). And time to time i see them trying to hunt down some little tetras which they live together with. But generally they are quite and peaceful. One of the fishes i can recommend. Oytun ERTAN 2006-09-12
I own a Spiny Eel, not sure if its African or not, but it is in the spiny eel family. I've become very fond of my eel. He (or she) has sand to burrow in and it isn't deep so I can still usually see him playing. He does fine in higher ph levels so I have him with several African Cichlids, bigger than he can eat! They get along fine. They hardly know each other are in the tank. the cichlids eat off the sand after meals sometimes, but run into him a bit and move on, very quick, and busy! They always make me smile, such busy bodies! I would purchase another eel but I don't think they get along with each other very well, he's only in a 75 gallon. He can be my only eel. its fine, I love having him. He eats blood worms and brine shrimp mostly, I throw in plankton once in awhile. I've had him 2&1/2 years and he is about 8 inches, still growing. If you can have a Spiny Eel I recommend them, they can be very interesting and not too snake- like the way traditional eels are. Lica Campbell 2006-02-23

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