Mastacembelus Brichardi

Mastacembelus brichardi is a beautifully marked spiny eel exclusive to Lake Tanganyika, named after the pioneering cichlid collector Pierre Brichard. Its body is covered in a fine reticulated or netted pattern of pale lines against a darker background, making it one of the more ornate species in the genus. It is slender and elegant compared to some of its thicker-bodied relatives.

Like all Lake Tanganyika inhabitants, this species requires hard, alkaline water with good oxygenation and filtration. Fine sand for burrowing is very important — denied a suitable substrate, spiny eels become stressed and more prone to disease. Rockwork caves and crevices complete the setup. This species can be kept in pairs in larger tanks.

Brichard's Spiny Eel feeds on live and frozen meaty foods, accepting bloodworm, earthworm, and small prawns readily. With patience it can be trained onto sinking carnivore pellets. It is a long-lived species that rewards dedicated care with years of subtle but rewarding behaviour.

Water: Hard and alkaline, pH 7.5–9.0, temperature 24–27°C, GH 10–20, KH 8–18. Tank: Minimum 200 L, fine sand, rock caves, secure lid to prevent escapes. Feeding: Carnivore; frozen bloodworm, earthworm, small prawns, and sinking carnivore pellets. Breeding: Rarely bred; pairs will spawn in caves; eggs and fry guarded by female. Compatibility: Peaceful with large Tanganyikan cichlids; predatory toward small fish.