Mastacembelus armatus (Tire Track Eel)

I got one of these over the weekend as a replacement for my beloved fire eel that passed away as a result of what seemed to be a nasty marine ich...

Glad to report that this little guy is already eating worms from my hand!

How many of you have spiny eels?

 

I already had 2 in the past. Very intellegent creatures. Also very fussy eaters.

 

I've had 2 of the smaller species, the 'zigzag' spiny eel and the peacock spiny eel. Lovely fish, the peacock even ate from my hand on occasion.

 

Well, mine took some earthworms from my hand today, and CharleyFXST's tiretrack even eats pellets! Howzat!

 

Ive had fire eels, zig zag eels, tire track eel and peacock eels.Always been very cool fish.

 

Um... My eel disappeared. Not in it's hide out, not outside the tank flapping around... just gone. Underground? Don't they usually at least poke their heads out?

 

Maybe look for a tail? I have seen a lot of spiny eels just stick the tips of their snouts out or the tips of their tails.

 

Also check filters.... or anywhere really. I've had eels that burrowed, hid between decor, inside filters, next to filters, etc etc. Especially if they're a new fish, they'll be looking for an ideal hiding place and will pretty much try ANYWHERE and see what's comfortable.

 

I checked my filter and surrounding floorspace first cause any of those would be certain death... My water is heated in the first compartment of my sump so I don't think he'll like it there, and he wont be able to get out either! It's sealed.

I checked the overflow box as I've seen how my fire eel would drape himself over a tank brace and just stick his head in the water every now and then. Very odd. I did spot a "dent" in the substrate which is a possible entry point, but I didn't want to disturb him so I just left everything like it was... I'll be at home tonight and check what happens when the lights go out... He can't resist a juicy earthworm ;-)

 

Still nothing... I'm starting to worry now... Haven't seen him in DAYS, and yesterday I dug around in my substrate to see if he's hiding, but I didn't find anything... :-(

Very odd indeed...

 

Ah, forgot to update this thread! Found him in the final compartment of my sump... He's now occupying my octagonal tank.

And now, a question: Is it okay to feed them earthworms from the garden? He seems to love it!

 

I feed mine bloodworm a block a day they greedy pig, and when it his lucky day worms from my dads wrom farm. I just make sure to give a rinse to get rid of excess sand and also try kill, either leave them in hot water or in the freezer for a bit. I have often had my eel decide not to eat the worm and then worm starts digging into the gravel and there i am digging after it.

The best is to keep some guppys in the tank, and when the breed you start to see the eel in hunting mood. He hides on the top of the plants, all curled up waiting to attack a babies that swims past. When i had hortwart he use to just lie in it and wait.

 

These guys sound like a lot of fun

 

I feed my tire track eel earthworms and he/she loves it, i just rinse it in tap water and put them in, i try once a week to go the fishing tackle shop and buy some. its easy then diggin for me.

 

Pretty much every eel I've read about seem to prefer alkaline conditions and harder water, I'm wondering if there are any that prefer softer acidic water?

ShiBBY I'm glad you found your eel again, hate that sinking feeling when you can't find a fish

 

I currently have a tire track eel and the first day I gave him bloodworms, but after the second day that he tasted earthworms, he never wants to eat anything but earthworms. I give him between 2 - 5 worms a day and also skip a day in between. Our water is quite hard (7.2 - 7.5), but my tire track eel doesn't seem to mind that. He normally comes out when he knows someone is in the room and at night time it is almost like he is waiting for his earthworm meal. I have him for just over 2 months now.

 

Anyone come across the African Spiny Eel? I'm not sure of its scientific name but it inhabits lake Malawi.
I think its called Mastacembelus shiranus. However there might be other species as well.

 

I think someone should put up some Pics of their eels

 

They are LOADS of fun... They have very interresting personalities...

A feeling I'm all too familiar with... My bichir and fire eel both "hid" for a while, and when I found them, they were no longer part of the living realm... There are nice big fire eels at Rietondale Pavilion! I want!

 

How fast do these guys grown, seen some that are huge. i have had mine for just under at year and he does not grow that fast compared to other fish like Ghost Knife Fish. Will try take pic of him eating out of my hand, if my bloody mollies dont attack me before.