Black Pearl Spiny Eel

An uncommonly imported and distinctly patterned freshwater spiny eel, the Black Pearl Spiny Eel (Mastacembelus notophthalmus) believed to inhabit Malaysia and Sumatra in Indonesia, but their distribution and habitat in the wild remains unclear. Like their close relative the Fire Eel, this species is often shy at first but are intelligent and personable fish which will soon learn to beg for food and recognize their owners. Largely insectivorous in the wild, they will readily feed on live earthworms at first and can be weaned on to frozen foods over time. Although they can and sometimes will eat smaller fish, they are not particularly active hunters and most fast moving tankmates will not be at risk of becoming a meal. Hardy and adaptable, they make an excellent addition to an aquarium large enough to house what will be a substantially large fish as an adult and will get along well with most tankmates.