Animal-World > Freshwater Fish > Freshwater Eels and Eel-like Fishes > Zig Zag Eel

Zig Zag Eel

Tire Track Eel ~ White-Spotted Spiny Eel Family: Mastacembelidae

• Puzzles
• Postcards

Mastacembelus armatus Photo © Animal-World: Courtesy Nopany, Thailand

   Not only is the Zig Zag Eel a long time aquarium favorite, it was actually recognized and described in the 1800's!

   The Zig Zag Eels is one of the favorite spiny eels but its popularity is rivaled by a similar looking relative, the Tire Track Eel Mastacembelus favus. Both of these eels are recognized and named for their distinct 'tire track' or 'zig zag' type markings, but the Tire Track Eel is perhaps the more frequently imported of these two. Although not considered to be true eels, the body shapes of all members of the spiny eel family, Mastacembelidae, are definitely eel-like.

   Despite the fact that the Zig Zag Eel and the Tire Track Eel are very similar in appearance they do have some easily recognizable differences. Both have a dull brown background color patterned with dark markings, but the placement of these markings is the most distinguishing element. The Zig Zag Eel has a series of irregular dark markings along the entire length of its body, but the pattern is only on the upper two thirds of the body leaving the lower portion mostly plain. The Tire Track Eel is also marked along the entire length of its body but the pattern is more extreme, reaching from the top of its back down through its belly.

   It is important to know which of these two fish you are getting to prepare for their long term care. A primary difference between these two (that may not be so readily apparent when purchasing) is their adult size. The Tire Track Eel can get up to about 28 inches long (70 cm) while the Zig Zag Eel will ultimately be quite a bit larger reaching, up to 35 inches (90 cm).

For more Information on keeping freshwater fish see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Freshwater Aquarium

Distribution:
   The Zig Zag Eel was described by Lacepède in 1800. They are found in Asia: Pakistan to Viet Nam and Indonesia. They have been found in still waters but primarily inhabit moving waters, such as rivers and streams with sandy to pebbly bottoms. They are nocturnal and will sometimes partially bury themselves in the substrate during the day, coming out at night to feed on insects larvae, worms, and vegetation. They are used as a food fish in their native countries.

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

Description:
   The body of the Zig Zag Eel is elongated with a long snout. Both the dorsal and anal fins are extended and joined to the caudal fin. Its background coloration is a tan to light brown and it has a dark horizontal stripe running through the eye.
   Along the entire length of the body it is patterned with a series of irregular dark markings, but the pattern is only on the upper two thirds of the body leaving the lower portion mostly plain. These markings have a 'tire track' or 'zig zag' appearance which has been used as a common name for this fish as well as several other species of spiny eel.

Size - Weight:
   These fish can grow as long as 35 inches (90 cm), though they will not generally exceed about 20 inches" (51 cm) in captivity.

Care and feeding:
   The Tire Track Eels are primarily 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 Tire Track 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.
   If their tank has a sand or fine gravel substrate, they may burrow into it. Make sure they have plenty of hiding places so they will feel secure in their new home. This species of spiny eel can eventually grow to be quite large so plan accordingly. That cute little 4 inch fish could grow close to 3 feet long! Keep small specimens up to 6 inches in a tank that is at least 36 inches long and about 35 gallons. Larger specimens will need 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. These fish respond poorly to copper based medications, so these should be avoided.

Social Behaviors:
   They are a nocturnal species but are generally peaceful and shy. They mostly ignore other tankmates although they may eat fish that are small enough to fit into their mouths. 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.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   Zig Zag Eels will spend most of their time on the bottom of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Temp: 72 - 82° F (22 - 28° C)
   Hardness: 15 dGH
   pH: 6.5 - 7.5

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 Zig Zag 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.

Buy Zig Zag Eels From LiveAquaria.com

Availability:
   The Zig Zag Eel is commonly available and reasonably priced. Be aware when purchasing that the Zig Zag Eel is often misidentified in its common name as the Tire Track Eel Mastacembelus favus. As these two similar looking eels attain a much different adult size it is important to know which eel you are purchasing. The Tire Track Eel can grow to about 28" in length while the Zig Zag Eel can reach up to 36".

Author: Clarice Brough, CFS

Add your comment here!
Click to see All the comments!
Latest Comments
I have a zig zag eel along with a White Tip shark (a kind of catfish), a pleco, and some mollies. The Zig Zag eel is a really good community fish and does not hurt my fish. The White tip shark is best friends with the eel (I think the shark thinks it is one of its own because it is a school fish, did not know that at the time) and hangs out with the eel. It is an easy pet, eats bloodworms, and looks plain cool. Its name is Ziggy. Anonymous 2009-06-29
At first I was a bit freaked out about my spiny eel. But after a few weeks he grew on me. He is in a 49 gallon tank with Jelly Bean cichlids. He is very peaceful. I just love when he buries himself in the gravel and sticks only his head out. I've had him for about 2 years and he is about 8 inches long. Blood worms are his favorite food. Russ 2009-03-16
I have 1 zigzag, 9 tiger barbs, and 2 jack dempseys. My zig zag eel is so chilled out. I feed it on blood worms and earthworm. Had it now for about 6 months and I love it. It's in a 30 gallon tank. It's about 6inchs long. teslaq 2009-03-06
It's weird looking, but it's kind of cute actually! aerial 2008-11-03
I once had a zig zag eel and I fed it stuff right, and like it would eat it. Then one night it didn't eat so i fed it more, but it wouldn't eat. So then I called my mommy and she fed it and it still wouldn't eat. Then mommy said it was dead. I got a gold fishy instead. His name is elmo and I feed him hot dogs for food. sissy mcguire shwang 2008-09-23
Some of the coolest comments:
I have bred zig zag eels, though it happened quite by accident. They had four sessions or so of babies within a month and a half period or so. The female was rounder in the mid section but definately shorter then my male. They are very caring and were seen teaching their young to hunt blood worms in the substrate. Some of the pieces of the puzzle to help them along was an Indian almond leaf added, and the blue light to make it seem like moonlight (the IAL was added to start conditioning my halfmoon betta male also in the tank). Also, I had gone against a lot of people's advice and had bought the second zig zag with too small a tank, the lack of space turned out to never be an issue, and the fry and parents thrived. Unfortunately my female died a few months ago (she was having some issues, almost looked like she was laboring and got something stuck, no other signs of injury or sickness, plus the tank was/is healthy). Her young and mate protected her body as I tried to remove it. They noticed her gone, as well as the fry as I had to start selling them off as they got bigger. The tank is only a 30 gallon... I thought I'd share my beginner's luck. Samantha T 2008-01-27

Back to Freshwater Eels and Eel-like Fishes