Tire Track Eel Care: Size, Sand and a Tight Lid

Meet the tire track eel

The tire track eel (Mastacembelus armatus), also sold as the zig zag eel, is a freshwater spiny eel from South and Southeast Asia. It is named for the dark, tire like bands along its body. Like other spiny eels it is not a true eel. Adults commonly reach about 20 to 30 inches in aquariums, so plan for a long term, large tank.

Tank setup

• Tank size: a long footprint matters more than height. Plan for about 125 gallons or more for an adult, with as much length as you can give.
• Soft sand: they burrow. Sharp gravel can injure their skin.
• Tight lid: spiny eels are escape artists. Cover filter gaps and overflow notches.
• Hiding spots: PVC pipes, smooth caves and driftwood so they can settle in.

Water and food

Keep temperatures around 75 to 82 F with a pH near neutral and clean, well filtered water. They are carnivores. Offer frozen bloodworms, earthworms, krill, chopped fish and sinking carnivore pellets once they learn to take them. Many feed best near dusk or after lights out at first.

Tank mates

Tire track eels usually ignore fish too large to swallow, but they will eat small fish and shrimp. Medium to large peaceful fish can work. Avoid fin nippers and other large spiny eels unless the tank is huge, since they can quarrel.

Frequently asked questions

What you will need

• Fine aquarium sandSafe for burrowing.
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• Tight fitting glass lidSpiny eels escape through tiny gaps.
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• Frozen bloodwormsA favorite food.
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