Tire Track Eel

Mastacembelus armatus is one of the most widely available spiny eels in the hobby, found across a huge range from India to Indonesia and Vietnam. Its common name comes from the complex repeating lattice pattern of dark lines on a pale tan body that resembles the tread of a rubber tyre.

This species grows large and requires a very spacious aquarium, but is otherwise considered one of the more straightforward members of its family to maintain. It buries itself readily in soft sand during the day and becomes active and exploratory at night. Strong filtration is essential given its size and carnivorous diet.

Tire track eels accept most meaty foods including frozen bloodworm, earthworms, prawns, and after acclimatisation, sinking pellets. They are peaceful toward tankmates too large to eat, making them suitable for large community predator displays with species like large cichlids, bichirs, and robust catfish.

Water: Soft to moderately hard, pH 6.5–7.5, temperature 24–28°C, GH 5–15, KH 2–8. Tank: Minimum 350 L, fine sand substrate at least 8 cm deep, fully sealed lid, ample caves. Feeding: Carnivore; bloodworm, earthworms, prawns, mussel, and sinking carnivore pellets. Breeding: Rarely bred in captivity; egg-scattering behaviour reported in large soft-water setups. Compatibility: Peaceful with large fish; predatory toward small fish and invertebrates.