Lesser Spiny Eel (Macrognathus aculeatus) Care Guide

Macrognathus aculeatus is an Asian spiny eel reaching about 38 cm, with a narrow snout used to probe sand for invertebrates.

Overview

Macrognathus aculeatus, the lesser or one-stripe spiny eel, is an elongated freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae from Asia. It has a narrow tubular snout that it uses to probe sand for food, and a single dark dorsal stripe.

Taxonomy

Family: Mastacembelidae
Genus: Macrognathus
Scientific name: Macrognathus aculeatus
Common synonym: One-stripe Spiny Eel

Habitat

FishBase records the species across Asia, including Thailand, the Malay Peninsula, Borneo, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Nepal, India and Vietnam. It occurs in medium to large rivers and lowland wetlands and is benthopelagic; it lives in freshwater and has been recorded in brackish water.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
pH: 6.5-7.5
GH: 5-15 °dGH
Lifespan: 8-12 years
Substrate: sand (for burrowing)

Diet

The lesser spiny eel is a carnivore that probes the substrate for worms and other invertebrates. In the aquarium it is fed roughly every two days on meaty and live foods.

Compatibility

This is a peaceful, crepuscular bottom-dweller. Suitable tankmates include larger barbs and loaches, while tiny nano fish and shrimp may be eaten and should be avoided. A sand substrate allows natural burrowing.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2019).