Edit Mastacembelus albomaculatus
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Name
Scientific name
Mastacembelus albomaculatus
Described by
Authority Poll, Year 1953
Family
Mastacembelidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
Mastacembelus albomaculatus is a spiny eel endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it inhabits rocky areas around the shoreline. Rarely seen in t…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
220mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Minimum height 30 cm, Water movement Low: still or sluggish water
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 23–27°C, pH 8–9.5
Hardness
8–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Predatory
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, Lake Tanganyika
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.
Habitat
It inhabits rocky areas around the shoreline of the lake.
Aquarium size
120 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm - ~108 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 subs…
Water conditions
Temperature: 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 compatibility
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 bes…
Sexual dimorphism
Unknown.
Reproduction
Not thought to have been bred in aquaria.
Notes
This is a great oddball species for the Tanganyikan community tank, although it is not as attractive as the closely related Aethiomastacembelus ellipsifer. It …
References
References
No references