Tire Track Eel

Mastacembelus favus

Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii

📍 West Africa

A large spiny eel from Southeast Asia reaching up to 35 inches, displaying a complex pattern of irregular dark markings on a tan body resembling a tire track or maze — the most intricately patterned of the Mastacembelus eels. It is a burrowing predator requiring a deep sand substrate, a very large tank (150+ gallons for adults), and a tightly secured lid as it can escape through small gaps.

Size28"

Min Tank75g

semi-aggressive

Zonebottom

Care Guide

Diet

Tire Track Eels are carnivorous predators requiring high-protein foods including frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, small fish, and quality sinking pellets. Feed 2-3 times weekly, adjusting portions based on tank size and individual appetite. They may also consume small crustaceans and mollusks, which help maintain their natural feeding behavior.

Behavior

Nocturnal and reclusive, these eels spend most daylight hours buried in sand substrate, emerging primarily at night to hunt. They are solitary and territorial, showing semi-aggressive behavior toward tankmates, particularly smaller fish and other bottom-dwellers. They are escape artists and require a tightly fitted lid, as they can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps.

Breeding

Breeding Tire Track Eels in captivity is extremely rare and poorly documented. No reliable breeding protocols exist for home aquariums, and sexual maturity, spawning triggers, and larval care requirements remain largely unknown. Captive-bred specimens are virtually unavailable in the hobby.

Tank Mates

Silver Dollar

Large, fast-moving fish that occupy mid-water zones, avoiding direct competition with bottom-dwelling eels

good

Severum

Peaceful cichlid of similar size that occupies different tank zones and is too large to be predated upon

good

Rope Fish

Similar eel species with comparable care needs, but may compete for territory; requires careful monitoring

caution

Bristlenose Pleco

Nocturnal bottom-dweller that forages at night when eels are active; large enough to avoid predation

good

Striped Raphael Catfish

Armored catfish that occupies similar habitat but is too large and well-protected to be threatened

good

Common Diseases

Bacterial Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Perform 25% water changes, improve water quality, treat with antibacterial medication if severe; ensure substrate is clean and sand is not compacted

Parasitic Infections (Ich/White Spot)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, excessive scratching against substrate, rapid breathing

Treatment

Gradually raise water temperature to 28-30°C, treat with ich medication, perform frequent water changes; maintain excellent water quality

Intestinal Parasites

Symptoms

Weight loss despite feeding, bloated appearance, stringy feces, lethargy

Treatment

Treat with antiparasitic medication designed for eels; feed high-quality foods and maintain pristine water conditions to prevent secondary infections

Skin Infections/Ulcers

Symptoms

Open sores, cloudy patches on skin, mucus coating, reluctance to burrow

Treatment

Improve water quality immediately, perform daily partial water changes, treat with antibacterial or antifungal medication; ensure sand substrate is clean and smooth