Black Spotted Eel - (Mastacembelus dayi)

🐍 Black Spotted Eel – (Mastacembelus dayi)

The Black Spotted Eel is a beautifully patterned spiny eel species, named for the scattered black spots covering its elongated, serpentine body. Native to freshwater habitats in Sri Lanka and southern India, this species is peaceful, intelligent, and enjoys hiding in the substrate during the day, becoming more active at night. Its striking appearance and calm demeanor make it a great oddball addition to large peaceful community or oddball tanks.

🌊 Tank Setup

• 🏞️ Minimum 55–75 gallon tank
• 🪨 Soft sandy substrate – they love to burrow
• 🪵 Provide PVC pipes, caves, or rock crevices for hiding
• 🌿 Live or artificial plants can help provide cover
• 💧 Tight-fitting lid – escape artists!

🍽️ Diet

• 🍤 Carnivore – loves live or frozen foods
• 🐛 Feed bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, chopped earthworms, krill
• 🍽️ Will learn to take pellets or carnivore sticks over time
• 🕓 Best to feed in the evening or at night
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⚖️ Temperament

• 🕊️ Peaceful and shy – not aggressive
• 🐟 Safe with medium to large peaceful tankmates
• ⚠️ May eat very small fish or inverts if they fit in its mouth
• 🧠 Smart and curious – can recognize routine and keepers

🧠 Behavior & Care

• 🌙 Nocturnal – hides during the day, explores at night
• ⛏️ Likes to dig – soft sand is a must
• 🔒 Escape-prone – always secure the tank lid

📋 At a Glance

💡 The Black Spotted Eel is a low-key oddball with loads of personality. Its spotted pattern and calm nature make it a great addition to peaceful tanks — just be sure to offer plenty of hiding spots and a secure lid!