Eel - Tiretrack

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig � Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Tiretrack Eel, Zig Zag Eel, Spiny Eel, White Spotted Spiny Eel Scientific Name: Mastacembelus armatus

Basic Info

Most mature Tire Track Eels grow to lengths between 29 and 31 inches. Their body color is golden brown. Tire Track Eels are marked with two "tire tracks" on either side of their bodies: rows of oval dark brown blotches. From the prominent snout, two structures can be observed, and these are thought to be scent organs. Although their mouths are apparently narrow, Tire Track Eels can take surprisingly large prey items. They have good vision. Anal, caudal, and dorsal fins circle the tail end of the eel.

Health

It is suggested that Tire Track Eels are not kept in enclosures smaller than 135 gallons in volume. The temperature for Tire Track Eels should be kept between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and lighting should be dim or indirect. These eels will do well in most water conditions, so long as the water is clean and filtered. However, neutral and softer water conditions are preferred. All filtering implements should be covered to prevent the Tire Track Eel from entering them, and under-substrate filters should not be used. The substrate, recommended as small, smooth gravel or sand, should be kept clean, since Tire Track Eels usually remain at the bottom of the tank. Plenty of hiding places, for example overturned flowerpots, rock piles, caves, or plants, should be available for Tire Track Eels. Often, strawberry pots are preferred as a "home" for these eels. They should be kept only with larger species of fish. Usually Tire Track Eels are fed live brine shrimp, bloodworms, glass worms, tubifex worms, crustaceans, and fish. These items, after having been frozen, can also be fed. Breeding Female Tire Track Eels that are ready to spawn often appear thicker in the abdominal region. Males aid females in scattering their eggs by nudging them over the bottom of their habitat. Usually, the Tire Track Eel fry remain hidden in plants and in the substrate. It is not common to successfully breed these eels in captivity.

Habitat

Fresh water fish

Behavior

Most people that own Tire Track Eels are fascinated by their pets. These amazing creatures can make interesting captives, though their habits are not fully understood. Tire Track Eels normally dwell in crevices in heavily vegetated streambeds. They hunt mainly be scent and sight. Once prey is located, the Tire Track Eel will grab it swiftly before taking it back to a protected area. It usually uses some item, like a rock, to help it maneuver the prey into a position where the eel can eat it headfirst. Curling its body into an S shape, the Tire Track Eel will dart its head back and forth, toward and away from the prey. It is believed this behavior fascinates or confuses the prey so that it remains stationary until the eel can eat it, preventing the eel from having to return to unprotected open waters. In captivity, Tire Track Eels may show predatory behavior toward smaller fish in their enclosures, so it is best to keep them with larger animals. It has been suggested that no animal smaller than two inches in length be exposed to these eels. Tire Track Eels may also stalk other eels and will fight with eels of the same species. Tire Track Eels usually remain near the bottom of the tank. They frequently hide for hours at a time, though if effort is made to dim the light in the tank, they may be seen more often in the open. This can often be done aesthetically with the provision of lots of plants in the enclosure. Tire Track Eels are known for their ability to escape from tanks, so you should be sure that your eel has no access to its water filter and that the enclosure is securely covered. Many people have reported that Tire Track Eels can become so well accustomed to their owners that the eels will eat from their hands.

Origin

Southeast Asia

History

Tire Track Eels are native to Thailand, Sri Lanka, southeastern China, and Sumatra.

Common Foods

N/A