🐍 Zig Zag Eel (Mastacembelus armatus)
🐍 Zig Zag Eel (Mastacembelus armatus)
Oddball Predator • Sand-Burrowing Eel • Display Species
📋 The Zig Zag Eel (Mastacembelus armatus), also called the Tire Track Eel, is one of the largest spiny eels in the aquarium hobby. It is easily identified by its bold zig-zag body markings that run along its elongated, snake-like body.
Zig Zag Eels are sand burrowers and spend much of their time partially hidden with only their head exposed, waiting to ambush prey. Despite their fearsome look, they are shy when young but can become territorial as adults.
They require very large aquariums with fine sand substrates, hiding places, and excellent water quality. Because of their predatory nature, they should not be housed with small tankmates but can coexist with other large, robust fish.
💡 Highlights
✨ Zig-zag patterned body – striking and unique
⚪ Snake-like spiny eel – oddball predator fish
📏 Huge size – grows up to 40" in the wild
✅ Burrows in sand – fascinating natural behavior
🐠 Long lifespan – lives up to 18 years
🧾 A Quick Look at the Zig Zag Eel
📛 Common Name: Zig Zag Eel / Tire Track Eel
🔬 Scientific Name: Mastacembelus armatus
👨👩👧 Family: Mastacembelidae
🌍 Origin: South & Southeast Asia (India, Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia)
📏 Max Size: 75 – 100 cm (≈ 30 – 40")
💧 pH Range: 6.5 – 7.8
🌡️ Temperature Range: 24 – 28 °C (75 – 82 °F)
🧠 Care Level: Advanced (large aquarium required)
💖 Temperament: Semi-aggressive predator
🏠 Min Tank Size: 500 L (130 US gallons)
📌 Tank Level: Bottom dweller, sand burrower
🧬 Captive Bred: ❌ No
🌿 Wild Caught: ✅ Yes
⏳ Lifespan: 15 – 18 years
🍽️ Diet: Carnivore (worms, crustaceans, fish)
🐣 Reproduction: Rare in captivity – egg scatterer
