Tire Track Eel

Tire Track Eel (Mastacembelus circumcinctus)

The Tire Track Eel is a fascinating freshwater fish known for its unique elongated body and striking pattern resembling tire tracks. Native to the muddy and slow-moving waters of Southeast Asia, particularly in Thailand, this eel is popular among aquarists for its distinctive appearance and interesting behaviour.

Physical Characteristics:

• Size: Tire Track Eels can grow to about 30-45 cm (12-18 inches) in length, depending on their environment and care.
• Colouration: They are characterised by a dark brown to black body adorned with lighter, band-like markings that resemble tire tracks, providing them with excellent camouflage in their natural habitat.
• Shape: The body is long and snake-like, allowing them to navigate through the substrate and among rocks and plants.

Behaviour:

• Temperament: Tire Track Eels are generally peaceful but can be territorial, especially towards their own kind. They can exhibit aggressive behaviour when threatened or during feeding times.
• Activity Level: They are nocturnal and tend to be more active during the night, often burrowing into the substrate or hiding among decorations during the day.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 100 litres (26 gallons) is recommended for a single Tire Track Eel, with larger tanks preferred to allow for swimming space.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: Tire Track Eels thrive in warm water, with an ideal temperature range of 24°C to 28°C (75°F to 82°F).
  • pH: They prefer slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water, with a general hardness (GH) of 5-15 dGH, is ideal.
• Tank Setup: Provide a well-decorated tank with plenty of hiding spots using rocks, driftwood, and plants. A sandy substrate is ideal as it allows the eel to burrow and mimic its natural habitat.

Diet:

Tire Track Eels are carnivorous and require a varied diet to maintain their health. Their diet should include:

• High-quality pellets or sinking wafers formulated for carnivorous fish.
• Live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and earthworms.
• Occasional whole foods, like small fish or shrimp, to provide enrichment and stimulate natural hunting behaviour.

Tankmates:

When choosing tankmates, it is essential to select species that won’t provoke aggression or nip at the eel’s fins. Suitable tankmates include:

• Large, peaceful fish that occupy different levels of the tank.
• Bottom-dwellers like larger catfish that will not compete for territory.

Avoid housing them with small fish, as they may be viewed as prey, and also avoid keeping multiple Tire Track Eels together unless in a very spacious tank.

Breeding:

Breeding Tire Track Eels in captivity is challenging and not well documented. They typically spawn in the wild in shallow areas with plenty of vegetation, but specific breeding behaviours in aquaria remain largely unknown.

Conservation Status:

Tire Track Eels are not currently listed as endangered, but habitat loss and overfishing can impact their populations. Sustainable aquarium practices are essential for preserving this unique species.

In summary, the Tire Track Eel is an engaging and dynamic fish that requires specific care and tank conditions. With the right environment and diet, they can thrive and offer a captivating presence in any freshwater aquarium.