African Starry Night Eel – Mastacembelus Frenatus – Longtail Spiny Eel

Product: African Starry Night Eel – Mastacembelus Frenatus – Longtail Spiny Eel

Short Description:
The African Starry Night Eel, also known as Mastacembelus Frenatus or Longtail Spiny Eel, is a fascinating and unique freshwater fish that will add a touch of exotic beauty to your aquarium. With its striking appearance and interesting behavior, this eel is sure to captivate any fish enthusiast.

Product Categories: Eels, Fish

Secure Transit:
We prioritize the safety and well-being of our fish during transit. Our 24-hour courier service ensures that your African Starry Night Eel arrives safely at your doorstep. We use poly boxes and heat packs during colder months to maintain optimal temperature conditions for the fish.

Shipping Convenience:
To make your shopping experience more convenient, we offer the option to combine multiple items in one order. This helps streamline the shipping process and ensures that your African Starry Night Eel and other aquatic creatures reach you in a timely manner.

Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy:
In the unfortunate event that your African Starry Night Eel arrives deceased, we have a Dead on Arrival (DOA) policy in place. We request you to promptly inform us with photographic evidence of the deceased fish. Based on your preference, we will either refund you or send you a replacement.

Product Description:

Scientific and Common Names:
The African Starry Night Eel is scientifically known as Mastacembelus Frenatus. It is also commonly referred to as the Longtail Spiny Eel.

Habitat:
This species is native to the rivers and freshwater habitats of Africa, particularly in the Congo Basin. They are often found in slow-moving or stagnant waters with sandy or muddy substrates.

Tank Setup:
To provide a suitable environment for the African Starry Night Eel, a spacious aquarium with a minimum capacity of 30 gallons is recommended. The tank should have a sandy or fine gravel substrate to mimic their natural habitat. It is important to provide hiding spots such as caves, driftwood, and rocks. A secure lid is necessary as these eels are known to be skilled escape artists.

Diet and Nutrition:
The African Starry Night Eel is primarily a carnivorous species. Their diet should consist of a variety of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, small fish, and insect larvae. It is important to ensure a balanced diet by occasionally supplementing their meals with high-quality pellets or flakes.

Size and Growth Rate:
When fully grown, the African Starry Night Eel can reach a size of around 12-16 inches (30-40 cm). They have a slow growth rate and may take several years to reach their maximum size.

Behavioral Traits:
These eels are nocturnal and prefer to hide during the day, often burying themselves in the substrate or hiding in caves. They are generally peaceful but may become territorial towards their own species or other bottom-dwelling fish. They are known for their ability to escape from tanks, so it is important to provide a secure environment.

Care Level:
The African Starry Night Eel requires moderate care. Regular water parameter checks, maintaining water quality, and providing a suitable diet are essential for their well-being. They are generally hardy and can adapt to a range of water conditions.

Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding the African Starry Night Eel in captivity is challenging and rare. Little is known about their reproductive behavior, and successful breeding attempts are mostly achieved in large, well-established aquariums with specific conditions that mimic their natural habitat.

Health and Disease Prevention:
To ensure the health of your African Starry Night Eel, it is important to maintain good water quality, provide a balanced diet, and regularly monitor their behavior and appearance. Quarantining new additions to your aquarium can help prevent the introduction of diseases.

Optimal Water Conditions:
– Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
– pH: 6.5-7.5
– Hardness: 5-15 dGH

Lifespan:
With proper care, the African Starry Night Eel can live for 8-12 years or even longer in captivity.

Additional Interesting Facts:
– The African Starry Night Eel gets its name from the beautiful star-like patterns on its dark body.
– They have a long, slender body with a pointed snout and a distinctive extended dorsal fin.
– These eels have a unique ability to breathe air using a specialized organ called the labyrinth organ, allowing them to survive in oxygen-deprived waters.
– They are known for their excellent camouflage skills, blending in with their surroundings to avoid predators.
– The African Starry Night Eel is a solitary species and prefers to be the only eel in the tank.

Incorporating these attributes, the African Starry Night Eel is a captivating and low-maintenance addition to any freshwater aquarium. Its unique appearance, interesting behavior, and ability to adapt to various water conditions make it a popular choice among fish enthusiasts.