ZEBRA SPINEY EEL ( Macrognathus zebrinus)

The Zebra Spiny Eel is known from heavily vegetated, sluggish sections of tropical rivers and swamps. This uncommon import makes an unusual addition to the peaceful fish community where there are no small fish present. The aquarium should have a soft sand substrate so that these diggers can bury themselves, and plenty of hiding places amongst plant thickets, bogwood, smooth rocky caves, PVC pipes and so on. Larger specimens are capable of undermining the decor, so do ensure everything is well supported and secure (many aquarists like to place the decor on the base of the aquarium prior to adding substrate around it). Indian Almond Leaves (Terminalia catappa) are also very much appreciated as 'leaf litter', but these must be replaced on a regular basis as they gradually decompose. The footprint (length and width) of the tank is much more important than the height. Lighting should be diffused with the use of floating plants, and it is also a good idea to use a blue moon light timed to come on just before the main lights go out, so that you can view the antics of these nocturnal creatures under their preferred dimly lit conditions. Although they tend to stay buried for much of the day with just their snouts protruding from the cover, they do become very active at night. Be sure that the aquarium has no gaps at the top, as these fish are great escape artists. Zebra Spiny Eels are not aggressive, but adults are capable of taking small fish overnight, so tankmates must be chosen with care. Neon Tetra sized fish, for example, are not recommended. Suggested tankmates would be large Rasboras, large gouramis, rainbowfish, good sized peaceful botiid loach species, Geophagus species, L-number suckermouth cats etc. Zebra Spiny Eels are fairly sociable and are best kept in groups of 5 or more. Clean, well-filtered water is absolutely essential, but keep water movement gentle.