Striped Spiny Eel (Macrognathus pancalus)

Fish in the family Mastacembelidae. Moderate care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameMacrognathus pancalus

FamilyMastacembelidae

Also known asBarred Spiny Eel, Pancalus Eel

Care levelModerate

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentPeaceful

DietCarnivore

Adult size7 in

Minimum tank size30 gallons

Water parametersTemp 73-82°F, pH 6.5-7.5, GH 5-16 dGH

Appearance

Slim sandy-brown body with fine darker reticulations and a pointed flexible snout; among the smaller spiny eels.

Difficulty and care for the Striped Spiny Eel

Moderate

Origin and habitat

South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan)

Keeper notes

A small, peaceful spiny eel suitable for larger community tanks with fish too big to eat; will take dwarf shrimp and tiny fry. Can squabble mildly with conspecifics. Escape artist needing a tight lid.

Log Striped Spiny Eel in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Striped Spiny Eel alongside everything else in your reef.

Download Reef Trak See the full app