Tyre Track Eel

The Tire Track Eel, also known as the Spiny Eel, is a nocturnal predator and not a true eel. They are elongated tropical freshwater fish that have numerous spines preceding the dorsal fin.  Tyre track eels have long bodies and snouts and can grow to be as large as 60 cm. They are shy, peaceful, sometimes territorial and not aggressive but may eat anything that fits into their mouth. Intermediate aquarist level and large tanks greater than 500 litres recommended.

Behaviour

Track eels are known to be shy and normally only come out at night when feeding. Some track eels may become aggressive or territorial if they are kept with other track eels, and they should only be kept with other species that are too large for them to eat.

Tank Conditions

Because tyre track eels like to burrow, it’s important to have the right gravel on your tank’s floor to keep your tyre track eel happy. Use a fine sand or substrate to mimic the natural habitat of this fish.  They will dig in the substrate and bury themselves; this may uproot plants and rearrange decorations.

Keep lighting at a minimum, and use floating plants to dim the lights even more for your track eel.

Consider also providing tunnels and caves for your eel to hide in.

Compatibility

This fish should be kept with other large fish that the eel will not consider as food.

Feeding

In their natural habitat, track eels are omnivores. They enjoy eating small fish, worms, larvae and invertebrates. In some instances, they may also eat plant or other organic matter.  As a carnivore, they should be fed live foods such as earthworms and black worms, as well as frozen bloodworms. Prepared sinking tablet foods as well as krill and ocean plankton may eventually be accepted.  They are a nocturnal feeder so feed them and turn the lights out.

Care

One teaspoons of salt may be added per 5 litres of water for the Tire Track Eel.

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