Half Banded Spiny Eel

Half Banded Spiny Eel also called the “Zig Zag Eel.” is a unique addition to the tranquil community of soft water fish.

These fish dig to bury themselves, so the aquarium must have a soft sand substrate and plenty of hiding spots in plant thickets, bogwood, caves, pipes, and other places.

They do become very active at night, despite their tendency to remain buried for the majority of the day with only their snouts protruding from the cover. Because these fish are great at escaping, make sure the aquarium has no gaps at the top.

Spiny eels are best kept in groups of five or more because they are quite social. It’s important to have clean, well-filtered water.

I. Size

• Average Adult Size: 8.0 inches / 203 mm
• Maximum Adult Size: 8.0 inches / 203 mm
• Swimming Level: Bottom

II. You would love the fish because…

The Half Banded or Zig Zag Spiny Eel is a freshwater eel with intricate patterns that grows to a small size and can be found in Myanmar, Thailand, and other parts of Southeast Asia. These fish are tougher and more outgoing than many of their relatives. They make a unique addition to aquariums that are medium to large and generally get along well with fish that are too big to eat. They, like the majority of spiny eels, can be a little slow to eat at first, so it’s important to make sure they get enough food. Typically, frozen bloodworms are readily accepted.

 III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

• Recommended: 1
• Recommended Male/Female – 1:1
• Overall Aggressiveness: Peaceful
• Aggressiveness Own Species: Semi aggressive
• Aggressiveness Other Species: Peaceful

IV. Species compatibility

• Large Rasboras
• Large Gouramis
• Botiid loach
• Geophagus species
• L-number suckermouth cats

V. How to feed this species?

Like all spiny eels, they prefer to eat brine shrimp, black worms, earthworms, or bloodworms, which are all fresh, frozen foods. Some can be taught to eat bloodworms or freeze-dried brine shrimp, but this is not guaranteed.

Recommended food:

• Hikari Vibra Bites
• Hikari Freeze Dried Blood Worms

Word for the wise

Live Plants

Live, frozen food

Aquarium Starter Kit

Filter

Heater

Note

This species is known to jump or escape from aquariums. It is recommended to have a tight-fitting lid.

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