Tire Track Eel
Tire Track Eel
Tire Track Eel (Mastacembelus armatus) is one of the most impressive spiny eels available — a large, powerful, beautifully patterned species with complex dark brown and cream tire-track patterning along the entire length of the body. At up to 35 inches it is the largest commonly available spiny eel and requires a very large, well-filtered aquarium with sandy substrate for burrowing.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms are excellent staples — feed at night when most active. Hikari Sinking Wafers placed near burrow entrances work well. Target-feed with tongs to ensure the eel receives its share.
Native to rivers and streams across South and Southeast Asia — India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia, and surrounding areas. Fine sand substrate is essential for burrowing — spiny eels burrow constantly and sharp substrate injures them. A tight-fitting, weighted lid is required — spiny eels escape through any gap.
Keep singly or with very large, peaceful fish. Too large to be threatened by almost anything, but will eat fish small enough to fit in its mouth. Requires regular partial water changes — sensitive to nitrate buildup.
A magnificent large eel for dedicated aquarists. The complex tire-track pattern and powerful body presence make this one of the most impressive large freshwater fish available. A 180+ gallon aquarium is needed for an adult.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate — Advanced |
| Temperament | Peaceful with large fish — predatory toward small fish |
| Typical Adult Size | 35 inches (90 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly — 180+ gallon tank for adults |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 5–15 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 2–8 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Sinking Wafers; frozen shrimp |
| Origin | South and Southeast Asia — India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Malaysia |
| Notes | Fine sand essential for burrowing. Tight-fitting weighted lid required — expert escape artist. Grows to 35 inches — 180+ gallon aquarium needed. Sensitive to nitrates. |
