Half-banded Spiny Eel (Mastacembelus circumcinctus) Care Guide

A modest Indochinese spiny eel with bold dark bars on the upper body, reaching about 29 cm, suited to smaller eel setups.

Overview

Mastacembelus circumcinctus, the half-banded spiny eel, is a modest-sized elongated freshwater fish of the family Mastacembelidae from Indochina. It carries bold dark bars on the upper body that fade toward the belly. (FishBase lists this taxon under the genus Macrognathus.)

Taxonomy

Family: Mastacembelidae
Genus: Mastacembelus
Scientific name: Mastacembelus circumcinctus

Habitat

FishBase records the species from the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins, southeastern Thailand, the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra in Indonesia. It is a demersal freshwater fish of streams, peat areas and medium to large rivers with flooded fields.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 150 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
pH: 6.5-7.5
GH: 5-15 °dGH
Lifespan: 8-10 years
Substrate: sand (for burrowing)

Diet

The half-banded spiny eel is a nocturnal carnivore that hunts invertebrates and small fishes. In the aquarium it is fed roughly every two days on meaty and live foods.

Compatibility

It is a peaceful, crepuscular bottom-dweller. Mid-size barbs make suitable companions, while tiny nano fish and shrimp should be avoided as they may be eaten.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2019).