Striped Spiny Eel (Macrognathus pancalus)

The Indian Dwarf Spiny Eel (Macrognathus pancalus) is a fascinating, snake-like bottom-dweller from South and Southeast Asia, notable for its curious behavior and elegant, elongated body shape. Its calm nature makes it an excellent choice for naturalistic aquariums with soft substrate and many hiding places. With its fine sensory organs and characteristic searching behavior, it enlivens every twilight phase in the aquarium.

Compared to other spiny eels, the Dwarf Spiny Eel is significantly smaller, making it suitable for many aquariums. It thrives particularly well in groups, where it displays its natural, exciting social behavior.

🌿 Characteristics & Care:
🐠 Fish size: approx. 12–15 cm
🌎 Origin: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan
🌡️ Temperature: 22–28 °C
💧 pH value: 6.5–7.5
⚖️ Total hardness: soft to medium-hard
🐟 Social behavior: calm, gregarious; ideal in groups of 3–5 animals
🌾 Aquarium: soft sand substrate, many hiding places (roots, tubes, plants), subdued light; from approx. 150 l
🍽️ Food: Carnivore – frozen and live food such as worms, mosquito larvae, small invertebrates

The Indian Dwarf Spiny Eel is the perfect choice for anyone looking for an unusual, elegant, yet easy-to-care-for bottom-dweller that provides true variety with its behavior and appearance.