Yellow Tail Spiny Eel
Yellow Tail Spiny Eel
Yellow Tail Spiny Eel (Macrognathus pancalus) is a smaller and more manageable spiny eel than the Tire Track Eel — reaching only 7 inches, it is suitable for standard aquariums of 30+ gallons. The pale body has a series of dark spots or blotches along the flanks with a distinctive yellowish to orange-yellow tail that gives the species its name.
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 Micro Pellets soaked and placed near hiding spots can also be accepted. Feed after lights dim.
Native to slow-moving rivers, ponds, and wetlands of Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and surrounding South Asia. Fine sand substrate is essential for burrowing. A tight-fitting lid is required. More manageable in size than larger spiny eels.
Keep singly or with peaceful community fish too large to be eaten. Suitable for standard community aquariums at its small adult size. More accessible than the larger spiny eel species.
The Yellow Tail Spiny Eel is the ideal introduction to the spiny eel family — all the fascinating burrowing behavior and eel personality in a fish that fits in a standard aquarium.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — nocturnal burrower |
| Typical Adult Size | 7 inches (18 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Singly — 30+ gallon minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°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 Micro Pellets (soaked) |
| Origin | Bangladesh, India, Myanmar and surrounding South Asia |
| Notes | Macrognathus pancalus. Fine sand essential. Tight-fitting lid required. More manageable size than larger spiny eels. |
