Black Pearly Eel - (Mastacembelus notophthalmus)

🐟 Black Pearly Eel – (Mastacembelus notophthalmus)

The Black Pearly Eel is a slender, elongated freshwater eel native to African rivers and lakes. Known for its glossy black body adorned with pearly white spots, this nocturnal species is a fascinating and peaceful inhabitant of large aquariums. It requires ample hiding places and a secure tank to thrive.

🌊 Habitat & Care

🏠 Tank Size: Minimum 75 gallons
🌊 Prefers soft, slightly acidic to neutral freshwater with gentle flow
🪵 Provide caves, dense plants, and driftwood for hiding

🍽️ Diet

🍤 Carnivorous — feeds on live or frozen worms, small fish, and crustaceans
🐟 Requires a protein-rich diet, preferably fed in the evening or at night

⚖️ Temperament

🐠 Generally peaceful but nocturnal and secretive
🚫 Best kept with non-aggressive, larger tankmates

🧠 Behavior & Special Considerations

🌡️ Temperature: 74–79°F (23–26°C)
💧 pH: 6.0–7.5
📏 Size: Up to 16 inches (40 cm)
⚠️ Sensitive to water quality; requires secure tank lids due to escape tendency
🌿 Nocturnal behavior means it’s most active at night

📋 At a Glance

💡 The Black Pearly Eel is a nocturnal and peaceful species, best suited for aquarists who can provide a secure, well-structured tank with calm tankmates.