Lesser spiny eel

Taxobox
name = Lesser spiny eel
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Actinopterygii
ordo = Synbranchiformes
familia = Mastacembelidae
genus = "Macrognathus"
species = "M. aculeatus"
binomial = "Macrognathus aculeatus"
binomial_authority = (Bloch, 1786)

The lesser spiny eel, "Macrognathus aculeatus", is a tropical fish belonging to the Mastacembelidae family. They are uncommonly found in aquaria.

Physical characteristics

The eel has an upper-body that is yellow, a black line down the middle and the lower-body is usually a mix of white and brown. Along the backbone of the eel, the dorsal fin is preceded by numerous isolated small spines that can be raised, giving them the name. The dorsal fin also has many prominent eyespots along the base. There are many different variations of the Spiny Eel. They can grow up to be 14 inches long (35 centimeters), but are usually smaller.

Distribution and habitat

They fish are found in Southeast Asia from locations such as Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo, and Indonesia. They occur in medium to large-sized rivers. They are found in lowland wetlands and peats.

Behavior

They're crepuscular and nocturnal burrowers. They may prey on small fish.

In the aquarium

These fish are an uncommon aquarium fish.FishBase species|genus=Macrognathus|species=aculeatus|year=2007|month=May]

Lesser spiny eels should be maintained in a spacious, well-covered aquarium. A fine-grained substratum is preferable, but small rocks are accepted. Numerous hiding places should be given. Any clumps of plants should be protected from burrowing activities. Make sure to have a firmly secure lid on the tank, as eels are expert escape artists and will jump if given the chance. A "moonlight" fluorescent light bulb will facilitate nighttime viewing. Neutral or slightly alkaline, soft to meduim-hard water recommended. A small amount of salt, 1 teaspoonful per 2 Imp. gallon (2 and 2/5 U.S. gallon) can be added, but not essential. Temperature should be from 73 - 82°F (23-28°C).

Bottom-dwelling livefoods, such as blackworms or bloodworms, are preferred, but some commercial sinking formulations accepted. Pellets or tablet diets may be accepted reluctantly.

Generally aggressive toward conspecifics when kept as pairs or trios, but less when they're kept in groups of about ten. It may look as if they are stressed while breathing when they're burrowed, but they are fine. Breeding is rare in aquaria. The eggs are scattered and hatch in about 3 days.

References

Jennings, Greg. (2006). 500 Freshwater Aquarium Fish. Firefly Books.