Edit Mastacembelus ellipsifer
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Name
Scientific name
Mastacembelus ellipsifer
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Mastacembelidae
Common names
Tanganyikan Spiny Eel
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
The Tanganyikan spiny eel, Mastacembelus ellipsifer, is a spiny eel endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It is found around the shores, most often w…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
450mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 45 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
This species generally found around the shores of the lake, most often in the intermediate zones where the rocks start to give way to sandier substrates.
Aquarium size
Does not require masses of space despite its adult size. A tank measuring 48" x 18' x 18" (120cm x 45cm x 45cm) litres is adequate. The width of the tank is fa…
Maintenance
Use piles of rocks to form sheltered areas. It is essential that the tank base is covered in a layer of sand, as the fish spends much of it's time burrowed in …
Water conditions
Temperature: 23 – 27 °C pH: 8.0-9.5 Hardness: 8-25°H
Diet
In nature, the spiny eel preys on small fish but aquarium specimens readily accept dead alternatives. Prawn, cockle, mussel, earthworms and bloodworm can all b…
Behaviour and compatibility
Peaceful with species it cannot fit into its mouth. Not suitable for most freshwater tanks due to its hard, alkaline water requirements. It is best kept in a T…
Sexual dimorphism
Unknown.
Reproduction
Has not been bred in the hobby.
Notes
M. ellipsifer is a stunning eel that makes a nice 'alternative' species for the Tanganyikan community tank. The species in the family Mastacembelidae are known…
References
References
No references