Edit Mastacembelus plagiostomus
You can suggest changes to this profile. A moderator will review each change.
Name
Scientific name
Mastacembelus plagiostomus
Described by
Authority Matthes, Year 1962
Family
Mastacembelidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
Mastacembelus plagiostomus is a spiny eel endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found in shallow water over rocky areas around the shoreline. Very ra…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
300mm, 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, Zambia, Lake Tanganyika
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.
Habitat
It inhabits rocky areas around the shoreline of the lake, usually in shallow water.
Aquarium size
48" x 18" x 18" (120cm x 45cm x 45cm), although the width of the tank is far more important than the height.
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 its time burrowed into the subst…
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 best…
Sexual dimorphism
Unknown.
Reproduction
Has been achieved in the aquarium but very few details are available. The eels should be bred in a species tank. Apparently, the eggs are laid in the substrate…
Notes
Very rarely seen in the hobby, this species makes an interesting oddball addition to the Tanganyikan community tank. The species in the family Mastacembelidae …
References
References
No references