Caecomastacembelus albomaculatus

Classification

Mastacembelidae

Distribution

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.

Habitat

It inhabits rocky areas around the shoreline of the lake.

Maximum Standard Length

8.8″ (22cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

48″ x 12″ x 12″ (120cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 110 litres.

Maintenance

Use piles of rocks to form sheltered areas. It is essential that the tank bottom is covered in sand as the fish spends much of it’s time burrowed into the substrate. Gravel is not recommended, as its sharp edges can damage the eel’s skin. There should be no strong currents in the tank.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 73-81°F (23-27°C)

pH: 8.0-9.5

Hardness: 8-25°H

Diet

In nature, it preys on small fish but aquarium specimens readily accept dead alternatives. Prawn, cockle, mussel, earthworms and bloodworm can all be offered.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

It is peaceful with species it cannot fit into its mouth but is not suitable for most freshwater tanks, due to its hard, alkaline water requirements. It is best kept in a Tanganyikan community, where it can be combined with any species too large to be considered food. It tends to be somewhat territorial with conspecifics and a large tank is required if more than one is to be kept.

Sexual Dimorphism

Unknown.

Reproduction

Not thought to have been bred in aquaria.

NotesTop ↑

This is a great oddball species for the Tanganyikan community tank, although it is not as attractive as the closely related Aethiomastacembelus ellipsifer. It is rarely seen in the hobby. The species in the family Mastacembelidae are known as “spiny” eels because the dorsal rays are stiffened. Care must therefore be exercised when handling them to avoid injuries. Spiny eels also have no swim bladder, an adaptation to their benthic lifestyle.