
Half-banded spiny eel Care Guide
Macrognathus circumcinctus
📊 Datasheet
View More- DifficultyModerate
- HardinessModerate
- Liters per Fish50 L
- Maintenance LevelModerate Maintenance
- pH6.5 - 7.5
- Minimum School Size3
- Temperature25.0 - 29.0 °C
Please note: These values are based on the average of various confirmed sources.
❤️ Care
Tank Setup:
- The Half-banded Spiny Eel is known for being an active escape artist, so aquarists should ensure their tanks are tightly covered. These eels have a knack for slipping through small gaps or openings in the lid.
- They prefer a well-structured tank with plenty of hiding spots, such as driftwood, caves, and dense plant cover, to mimic their natural environment.
- A tank size of at least 80-100 liters (20-25 gallons) is recommended, with soft, sandy substrate to protect their delicate, spiny undersides as they often burrow.
Water Conditions:
These eels prefer slightly acidic to neutral water conditions, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5, and temperatures between 24-28°C (75-82°F). Clean, well-filtered water is essential, as they are sensitive to poor water quality.
Feeding:
As carnivores, Half-banded Spiny Eels thrive on a diet of live or frozen foods, such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, or small fish. They may also accept high-quality pellets or prepared foods over time but will generally prefer meaty, protein-rich options.
Tank Mates:
Banded Spiny Eels are peaceful fish, but due to their predatory nature, they may eat small fish that can fit into their mouths. It’s best to house them with similarly sized, peaceful fish species that won’t outcompete them for food.