Mastacembelus alboguttatus – Starlight Eel

Mastacembelus alboguttatus – Starlight Eel

Mastacembelus alboguttatus was first described by George Albert Boulenger in 1893. This fish belongs to the family Mastacembelidae, which is commonly known as the Spiny Eels. The family Mastacembelidae consists of three genera: Mastacembelus, Macrognathus, and Sinobdella with approximately 63 recognized species in the genus Mastacembelus. In English they are called Starlight Eel.

The genus name “Mastacembelus” is possibly derived from the Greek “mastax” (mouth or jaw) and “embolos” (wedge or spear), referring to the sharp or pointed jaws of equal length. The species name “alboguttatus” comes from the Latin “albus” (white) and “guttatus” (spotted), referring to the round white spots on the body and fins.

Description

General description:
Mastacembelus alboguttatus has an elongated, eel-like body with a conical head and a narrow snout. The body color is brown with numerous small round pale spots without dark edges. The fins also have numerous small round pale spots. This species can reach a maximum length of 49 centimeters.

Differences between males and females:
There are few external differences between males and females. During the spawning season, females can become somewhat plumper.

Behavior and temperament:
Mastacembelus alboguttatus is generally peaceful but can be territorial towards conspecifics. They live solitary or in pairs and are mainly bottom dwellers. These fish are shy and often hide in rocks or underwater plants.

Life expectancy:
There is no specific information on the life expectancy of Mastacembelus alboguttatus in the wild or in aquariums.

Biotope

Natural distribution:
Mastacembelus alboguttatus occurs in India, Myanmar and Thailand. They are found in the Sittang, Salween and possibly the Irrawaddy rivers.

Natural habitat:
These fish live in large rivers and their tributaries. Their habitat often has a rocky bottom with many hiding places such as underwater plants and wood. The edges of the water can be both vegetated and bare.

Climate:
They live in a tropical climate with seasonal floods and droughts.

Diet

Diet in the wild:
In the wild, Mastacembelus alboguttatus feeds on small aquatic animals such as shrimp and fish larvae, which they find in the crevices of rocks and underwater wood.

Aquarium Diet:
In the aquarium they can be fed live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, shrimp and small fish. It is important to provide a variety of foods to mimic their diet in the wild.

The Aquarium

Aquarium size:
An aquarium of at least 150 centimeters in length and 500 liters is required to keep this species. For multiple pairs, a larger aquarium is required.

Aquarium setup:
The aquarium should be set up with lots of hiding places such as rocks and underwater plants. A sandy bottom is best because these fish like to dig. Provide good water circulation and dim lighting.

Water parameters:
The ideal water parameters for Mastacembelus alboguttatus are a temperature of 24-28°C, a pH of 7-8.5 and moderate to strong water circulation.

Compatibility:
This species can live well with other peaceful fish such as larger tetras, rainbowfish and gouramis. Avoid aggressive or very small fish that may be seen as prey.

Breeding aquarium and conditioning

There is no specific information available on breeding Mastacembelus alboguttatus in an aquarium. In general, a separate breeding tank with similar water parameters as the main aquarium is recommended. Condition the fish with live food and provide sufficient hiding places.

The spawn

No detailed information is available on the oviposition of Mastacembelus alboguttatus. In general, spiny eels lay their eggs in sheltered places such as under rocks or in plants.

Raising the fry

There is no specific information available on the rearing of the fry of Mastacembelus alboguttatus. In general, the eggs of spiny eels hatch after a few days and the fry start to swim freely after about a week. They can be fed with infusoria and later with artemia nauplii.

Particularities

This species is rarely offered in the aquarium trade and is mainly consumed locally.

Conclusion

Mastacembelus alboguttatus is an interesting and challenging species for advanced aquarists. They require a large aquarium with plenty of hiding places and a varied diet. Although peaceful, they can be territorial towards conspecifics. Breeding this species in an aquarium is not well documented, which can be an additional challenge for hobbyists.

Video

Author

John de Lange

Copyright images

Nonn Panitvong – Siamensis.org