Half-banded spiny eel Breeding Guide
Macrognathus circumcinctus
📊 Datasheet
View More- Breeding AggressionSlightly More Aggressive
- Minimum School Size3
- Territorial BehaviourModerately Territorial
Please note: These values are based on the average of various confirmed sources.
🐠 Breeding
Breeding the Half-banded Spiny Eel in captivity is relatively rare and challenging due to the specific conditions required.
Breeding Setup:
These eels need a spacious tank to encourage spawning behavior, with soft, clean water and slightly elevated temperatures. They are egg-layers, typically scattering their eggs over a flat surface or among plants. A densely planted breeding tank is ideal, as it provides the necessary cover for the eggs.
Reproductive Behavior:
Males and females may engage in zig-zag swimming patterns during courtship, which is one of the more recognizable behaviors during breeding attempts. They can be difficult to sex, but females tend to be slightly larger and fuller-bodied than males when ready to spawn.
Egg Care:
After spawning, the parents often show no parental care and may even eat the eggs. It’s advisable to remove the adults from the breeding tank to protect the eggs. The eggs typically hatch within a few days, and the fry should be fed microscopic live foods until they can accept larger items like brine shrimp nauplii.