Spiny Eel
Macrognathus siamensis
What you need to keep a Spiny Eel
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pH
6.5–7.5
Temperature
24–28 °C
Max size
30 cm
Min tank
200 L
Where to buy
Compare prices from SA aquarium shops listing Spiny Eel.
Avg. price
R225
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Overview
What to know before you buy.
A peacock-spotted burrowing eel that spends daylight buried in sand. Requires a soft substrate, a very tight lid and small meaty foods; will eat fish small enough to fit.
Care guide
Keeping Spiny Eel healthy in a South African setup.
Tank setup
A minimum 200L aquarium suits Spiny Eel. Match décor to its natural habitat: planting, rockwork or open swimming room as needed.
Water parameters
Keep pH 6.5–7.5 and 24–28°C. Stable parameters matter more than chasing perfect numbers; acclimate new arrivals slowly.
Feeding
Carnivore — frozen and live foods. Feed small amounts it clears in a couple of minutes, and vary the diet.
Behaviour
Nocturnal, secretive, escape artist. Watch it at feeding time and at lights-out to see its real temperament in your tank.
Tankmates
Choose tankmates of similar size and temperament with the same water needs. Avoid fin-nippers and anything large enough to eat it.
Breeding
Breeding success with Spiny Eel depends on the line and water chemistry; ask your shop about proven pairs.
Settling this fish in?
Condition the tap water, seed the filter, test through the first weeks — most early losses trace back to one of those.
10% off your first order, no code, at checkout
Availability confirmed with the distributor before dispatch · free delivery over r750
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