The Tiger Eel is often a name used for different species of spiny eels, particularly Mastacembelus armatus, also known as the Tire Track Eel or Spiny Eel. Here are the details about this fascinating fish:
• Maximum Size: In the wild, Tiger Eels can grow up to 3 feet (90 cm), but in aquariums, they usually reach 20–26 inches (50–65 cm).
• Native Range: They are found in South and Southeast Asia, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, primarily in rivers, lakes, and slow-moving waters.
• Growth Rate: They grow relatively fast, reaching about 12 inches (30 cm) within the first year, with slower growth afterward.
• Lifespan: With proper care, Tiger Eels can live 10–18 years in captivity.
• Diet: They are carnivorous, feeding on worms, crustaceans, insect larvae, and small fish. In aquariums, they prefer live or frozen foods like bloodworms, earthworms, shrimp, and small feeder fish. Some may accept pellets over time.
• Breeding: Breeding in captivity is extremely rare. In the wild, they likely spawn during the rainy season, when changing water conditions stimulate reproduction.
• Best Tank Mates: Tiger Eels are semi-aggressive but usually get along with larger, non-aggressive fish. Good tank mates include:
• Large, peaceful fish (e.g., Bala Sharks, Silver Dollars, large Gouramis)
• Bottom-dwellers (e.g., large Plecos, Loaches)
• Non-aggressive Cichlids (e.g., Severums, Geophagus)
Avoid keeping them with small fish (like Tetras or Guppies) as they may become food, and highly aggressive fish (like Flowerhorns or Red Devils) that may attack them.
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