Tanganyikan Spiny Eel

Mastacembelus ellipsifer

Tanganyikan Spiny Eel is a peaceful bottom-dwelling fish.

PeacefulBottom dwellerIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 45 cm (≤ 17.7 in)
Aquarium size: 243 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom dweller
Temperature: 23–27 °C
pH: 8–9.5
GH: 15–25 dGH
Diet: Carnivore
Lifespan: up to 15 years

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 15 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 243 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 8–9.5, GH 15–25 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Tanganyikan Spiny Eel is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Use foods that suit a meatier diet and avoid combining it with fish small enough to be treated as food.

Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 243 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Barred Bichir Polypterus delhezi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 35 cm (≤ 13.8 in) 24–30 °C Asian Bumblebee Catfish Pseudomystus siamensis Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 15 cm (≤ 5.9 in) 20–26 °C Black Ghost Knifefish Apteronotus albifrons Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 50 cm (≤ 19.7 in) 23–28 °C Blue Eyed Plecostomus Panaque cochliodon Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 30 cm (≤ 11.8 in) 22–28 °C Barca Snakehead Channa barca Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 105 cm (≤ 41.3 in) 10–28 °C Black Toraja Goby Mugilogobius hitam Similar care level Bottom dweller Similar diet Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 5 cm (≤ 2 in) 26–30 °C

FAQ

How large does Tanganyikan Spiny Eel get?

Tanganyikan Spiny Eel reaches ≤ 45 cm (≤ 17.7 in). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.

What aquarium size does Tanganyikan Spiny Eel need?

Use an aquarium of at least 243 L or larger / ≥ 120 cm (≥ 47.2 in) minimum length.

Is Tanganyikan Spiny Eel peaceful?

Yes. Tanganyikan Spiny Eel is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Tanganyikan Spiny Eel?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.