Mastacembelus dayi’s Black Spotted Eel has an exotic-looking color pattern. Similar to the majority of other spiny eels in the Mastacembelidae family, this eel’s distinctive color pattern and intriguing activity make it endearing. Therefore, this attractive spiny eel is also known as a spotted spiny eel and the Polka Dot Eel. Along with the Zig Zag Eel Mastacembelus armatus and the Tire Track Eel Mastacembelus favus, it is also one of the spiny eels that are occasionally mentioned and misidentified. Adult spotted spiny eels have several spots that run in horizontal rows throughout their entire length. Less spots are present on smaller specimens, but they are bigger. It is a stunning fish that is definitely worth having in your aquarium because of its lovely patterning.
All members of the spiny eel family have eel-like body forms, while not being thought of as actual eels. The Black Spotted Eel has a long snout and is elongated. It is a rather large eel, with imported individuals frequently reaching lengths of up to 20 inches (50 cm).
Traits
The Black Spotted Eel has an extended body and a long snout. The caudal fin is connected to the expanded dorsal and anal fins. These fish are frequently imported when they are longer than 20 inches (50.8 cm). When given the right care, spiny eels can survive for 8 to 18 years.
A dark tan to light brown color makes up the background. It features a sequence of dots that are linearly spaced out along the length of its body. The dots are rather large, with darker spots on the upper half and whiter patches on the lower part. Some of the spots, especially those in the middle, frequently develop vertical elongations as opposed to being circular. From the fish’s mouth’s tip to its back, this patterning is present. Less and larger spots are present in smaller specimens.
Keeping as Pet
Aquarium Setup
It will require an aquarium that can hold something this length. A younger specimen can be kept in a tank that is at least 36 inches long and approximately 35 gallons, while adults require tanks that are 48 inches long or more and 55 gallons.
Habitat
Boulenger wrote a description of the Black Spotted Eel Mastacembelus dayi in 1912. They can be found in Asia in the eastern Thailand and western Myanmar Irrawaddy and Chindwin river drainages. It is sometimes referred to as the Polka Dot Eel and the Spotted Spiny Eel. It belongs to the group of spiny eels that are occasionally called “tyre track eels.”
The spiny eels live in swiftly flowing rivers and streams with pebbly to sandy bottoms and typically thick flora. They may also live in still waters and move into lakes, canals, and floodplain regions during the dry season.
Food
They frequently spend the day buried in the gravel substrate, emerging at night to feed on worms, plants, and insect larvae.
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