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Care and Compatibility of Freshwater Eel - Mastacembelus armatus
Introduction
The Freshwater Eel has a dark brown coloration along its body, with lighter spots on its dorsal side. It can grow to significant sizes, reaching over 1 meter in length under ideal conditions. Its mouth is filled with small sharp teeth that it uses to catch small prey.
Behavior
The Freshwater Eel, scientifically known as Mastacembelus armatus, is a species of elongated and serpentine fish that inhabits rivers and lakes in Asia. This eel is known for its unique appearance and interesting behavior. It has a long and slender body, with a pointed head and a dorsal fin extending along its back.
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism in Mastacembelus armatus is minimal and difficult to distinguish. Both males and females have a similar appearance, although males may be slightly larger and have slightly longer fins.
Reproduction
Breeding Freshwater Eels in captivity is challenging, and not much is known about their reproduction in aquarium conditions. In the wild, they are believed to migrate to deeper waters for spawning, but their reproductive behavior has not been extensively studied.
Aquarium Conditions
Mastacembelus armatus, commonly known as the spiny eel, requires a large, well-covered aquarium with soft, rocky substrate. It prefers soft to moderately hard water and a warm temperature. Aquarium décor should include rocks, driftwood, and hiding spots. Maintaining water quality is crucial and providing a varied diet.
Feeding
When it comes to feeding, the Freshwater Eel is carnivorous and feeds on small invertebrates, crustaceans, worms, and smaller fish. It is an opportunistic predator that lies in wait for its prey from its hiding spot and quickly captures them.
Complexity
Caring for Mastacembelus armatus can be challenging. They are territorial fish and can be aggressive towards other bottom-dwelling or similar-sized fish. They require a well-covered tank as they are prone to jumping. They are carnivorous and prefer live or frozen foods such as shrimp, larvae, and small fish.
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To do an analysis more detailed about coexistence and behavior of Mastacembelus armatus (Freshwater Eel) use the Aquarium simulation tool, if you do this you can test different ways to combine the Freshwater Eel with other fishes giving the dimensions and space on you aquarium, on this way you can known the optimal configuration for keep the fishes that you want.
You can also find out the 13 species compatible with the Mastacembelus armatus (Freshwater Eel) can live together.
Note: The parameters of the water such as PH and temperature are also used to calculate the compatibility of the species.
Compatible species (13)
Compatible (2 Species)
Compatible without any restriction
Similar Sizes (7 Species)
They can coexist if they are the same size or very similar sizes, it does not work in all cases, there may be exceptions.
With Reservation (1 Species)
Compatible in some cases, it depends on the nature and personality of the fish.
Compatible if space is enough (3 Species)
They can coexist together if the aquarium they share is large and spacious enough for both species to feel good, as some fish may attack others to feel that they have little space and try to eliminate the competition.
Freshwater Eel
Mastacembelus armatus
- Ph: 6.5 - 7.5
- Temperature (c°): 22 - 28
- Measures: 9 cm - 75cm
- Aquarium Capacity:
113 Liters - 30 Gallons - Behavior: Likes to take refuge, Peaceful, Territorial with its species
- Size: Very Big
- Swimming area: Aquarium background
- Water Type: Sweet water