Zig-zag Eel
Mastacembelus armatus
Zig-zag Eel is a bottom-dwelling fish. Best kept as a solitary specimen.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- 19.7–35.4" (50–90 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Advanced
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Swimming zone
- Bottom dweller
- Temperature
- 75–82°F (24–28°C)
- pH
- 6–7.5
- GH
- 5–15 dGH
- KH
- 2–10 dKH
- Diet
- Carnivore
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Group behavior
- Best kept as a solitary specimen
Care requirements
Care level: Advanced.
Lifespan: 8–12 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 24–28 °C, pH 6–7.5, GH 5–15 dGH, KH 2–10 dKH.
Temperament and compatibility
Zig-zag Eel needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.
Best kept as a solitary specimen.
- Plant safe
- Yes
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the bottom area, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding. Best kept as a solitary specimen.
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.
Offer earthworms, insect larvae, prawns, mussels and other sinking meaty foods after lights dim. Many individuals ignore dry food initially.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length.
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Best kept as a solitary specimen.
- Offer a varied diet that matches this species.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: South and Southeast Asia.
Natural habitat: Streams, rivers, wetlands, marshes and floodplains from Pakistan across South and Southeast Asia to Indonesia. Adults often remain on or partly buried in the substrate.
Breeding notes
Breeding difficulty: Not documented in home aquariums.
The species can reach approximately 90 cm in total length. Aquarium specimens may remain closer to 50–75 cm, but housing must be planned for the maximum rather than the sale size. Coarse gravel can damage the skin and snout.
Important notes
- May reach 90 cm.
- Requires soft sand and secure hiding places.
- Requires a completely escape-proof lid.
- Will consume small fish, shrimp and other invertebrates.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Zig-zag Eel get?
Zig-zag Eel reaches 19.7–35.4" (50–90 cm). It needs specialist housing, long-term space, strong filtration, and carefully chosen companions.
What aquarium size does Zig-zag Eel need?
Use an aquarium of at least 159 US gal (600 L) or larger / ≥ 70.9" (≥ 180 cm) minimum length.
Is Zig-zag Eel peaceful?
Zig-zag Eel needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.
What temperature is suitable for Zig-zag Eel?
Keep it between 24 to 28 °C.
Should Zig-zag Eel be kept alone or in a group?
Zig-zag Eel: Best kept as a solitary specimen.