Zig Zag Eel | Mastacembelus circumcinctus

Eels / Mastacembelidae / Zig Zag Eel

Profile: Zig Zag Eel
Mastacembelus circumcinctus SYN: None
PD: An elongated, snake-like fish. The snout is long, fleshy, and pointed snout. No pelvic fins are present, and the anal and dorsal fins are highly elongated. The caudal fin is very small. The back and body area yellow-brown, as are the fins. The body is marked with many irregular, brown transverse bands.
SIZE: To 16" (41 cm) in the wild, not usually more than 6" (15 cm) in captivity
SS: M. zebrinus
HAB: Vegetation choked rivers in Southeast Asia; Burma, Thailand, Sumatra.
S: bottom
TANK: A tank measuring 20" (51 cm) with a capacity of 10 gallons (38 L) is only sufficient for fish to 3" (7.5 cm) in length. Larger fish should be moved to a tank measuring 36" (91 cm) with a volume of 35 gallons (132 L). The tank should have densely planted thickets with a cover of floating plants to diffuse the lighting. Provide hiding places with pipes, wood, roots, and rocks. Have a tight-fitting cover, this fish may jump. Use fine gravel or preferably, sand, because the Zig Zag Eel has a tendency to burrow.
WATER: pH 6-8 (7.0), 6-25 dH (10), 75-81°F (24-27°C), some salt can be added if desired.
SB: A good community fish if kept with fish over 2" in length. This fish will burrow and may uproot plants.
SC: Large Gouramis, Knifefish, Giant Danios, large Loaches, Loricarids, Eartheaters, Acaras, Cichlasomines, Asian Catfish
FOOD: Live; Tubifex, fish fry, Brine Shrimp, mosquito larvae, bloodworms, Cyclops.
SEX: Only distinguishable when mature; females are plumper.
B: Unsuccessful in captivity.
BP: 10. Breeding has not been accomplished in aquaria.
R: Will burrow in substrate and disappear for days, even weeks. Nocturnal.
DC: 5. A hardy species that requires a diet of live foods.