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Half-banded Spiny EelZig Zag Eel ~ Spiney Eel ~ Large Spiny EelFamily: Mastacembelidae Macrognathus circumcinctusPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David BroughLatest Reader Comment - See More You guys forgot the fire eel is probably the best looking fish of all the spiney eel family I have actually had a peacock and the fire eel together in one tank. I... (more) Greg The Half-banded Spiny Eel is a great choice for those who keep a smaller aquarium!Half-banded Spiny Eel Contents If you've hesitated to purchase a spiny eel because of the size of your tank, the Half-banded Spiny Eel may be just what you are looking for. The maximum size for this handsome fish is just under 8 inches. This eel also has a uniquely different color pattern from the other Asian spiny eels. Rather than being a diamond or 'zig zag' type patterning, its markings are roughly vertical. Not only is the Half-banded Spiny Eel relatively small, it is also quite hardy once acclimated. You may not always see it though as it is nocturnal and sometimes will hide for long periods of time. Generally it's a good community fish if kept with tankmates that are too big to fit in its mouth, those under about 2 inches may get snacked on. Although not considered to be true eels, the body shapes of all members of the spiny eel family, Mastacembelidae, are definitely eel-like. For more Information on keeping freshwater fish see: |
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Distribution: The Half-banded Spiny Eel was described by Hora in 1924. They are found in Asia including Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, southeastern Thailand, Malay Peninsula, Sumatra, and Indonesia where they inhabit medium to larger rivers and flooded fields. They are nocturnal and will partially bury themselves in the substrate during the day, coming out at night to feed on invertebrates and small fish.
Status: The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.
Description: The body of the Half-banded Spiny Eel is elongated with a pointed snout. Both the dorsal and anal fins are extended back to the caudal fin, which is very small. Its background coloration is a cream to light brown. Along the entire length of its body it is patterned with a series of irregular vertical dark markings.
Its common name 'half-banded' is derived from the layout of its dark markings. On the upper two thirds of the body the markings are quite bold. Below that however, the markings become narrow extensions that reach either partially or entirely across the lower portion.
Size - Weight: These fish can grow up to about 8 inches (20 cm).
Care and feeding: The Half-banded Spiny Eels are carnivores. Like all spiny eels they prefer a diet of live and fresh frozen foods such as brine shrimp, black worms, earthworms or bloodworms. Some spiny eels 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.
Provide a tank with a sand or fine gravel substrate as they will burrow into it. Also make sure they have plenty of hiding places among roots, rocks, or other decor so they will feel secure in their new home. Floating plant cover is great but plants buried in the substrate may get uprooted.
Small specimens up to 3 inches can be kept in a tank that is about 20 inches long and about 10 gallons. Larger specimens will need a bigger area, tanks that are 36 inches in length and about 35 gallons will suit an adult. Provide a tight fitting lid as spiny eels are escape artists. These fish respond poorly to copper based medications, so these should be avoided.
Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom: Half-banded Spiny Eels will spend most of their time on the bottom of the aquarium.
Acceptable Water Conditions: Temp: 75 - 82° F (24 - 27° C)
Hardness: 12 dGH
pH: 7.0 - 7.5
Social Behaviors: They are a nocturnal species but are generally peaceful and shy. They can be aggressive to fish under about 2 inches as small fish are part of their natural diet in the wild. They mostly ignore other tankmates. Some species of spiny eels can get territorial and aggressive with their own kind so a general rule of thumb is to keep them singly unless you plan to breed.
Sexual Differences: Sexual differences are unknown and it is almost impossible to identify the sexes, though a mature female may be more full bodied.
Breeding/Reproduction: The Half-banded Spiny Eel has not been bred in captivity. Only a few spiny eels have been bred in the aquarium, possibly because they are generally kept singly rather than in a group where a male and female can find each other. Though it is not documented what makes them spawn, trying to emulate the bounty of the flood season can help stimulate breeding behavior. Feed more and higher quality food than you normally would and providing an influx of clean water. Their courtship lasts for several hours, where they chase each other and swim in circles.
The eggs are deposited among floating plants. They are sticky so will adhere to the plants and then hatch in 3 to 4 days. The fry becoming free swimming a few more days after that and should be fed nauplii. The fry are something of a challenge to raise as they are susceptible to fungal infections. Regular water changes and the use of an antifungal water treatment can help.
Availability: The Half-banded Spiny Eel is commonly available and reasonably priced.
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