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Saddled Tanganyika Eel - (Mastacembelus plagiostomus)

Saddled Tanganyika Eel - (Mastacembelus plagiostomus)

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Saddled Tanganyika Eel - (Mastacembelus plagiostomus)
Fish Details, Description and Information Below:

🐟 Saddled Tanganyika Eel – (Mastacembelus plagiostomus) – Rare African Spiny Eel for Sale

The Saddled Tanganyika Eel (Mastacembelus plagiostomus) is a rare African spiny eel species native to Lake Tanganyika. Known for its elongated, snake-like body and distinctive dark saddle markings along a lighter tan or golden background, this eel is a fascinating and active bottom-dweller for large African cichlid aquariums.

Hardy and long-lived, it thrives when housed with robust tankmates in a well-structured aquarium with hiding spots.


🔎 Quick Facts – Saddled Tanganyika Eel (Mastacembelus plagiostomus)

  • 📛 Common Name: Saddled Tanganyika Eel, Tanganyikan Spiny Eel
  • 🔬 Scientific Name: Mastacembelus plagiostomus
  • 🌍 Origin: Lake Tanganyika – Africa
  • 🎨 Appearance: Long, eel-like body with a series of dark saddle-shaped markings over a golden-brown or tan base color
  • 📏 Max Size: 16–20 inches (40–50 cm)
  • 💎 Rarity: Rare in the aquarium trade; usually wild-caught

😇 Behavior & Temperament

  • 🐟 Generally peaceful with fish too large to be eaten
  • ⚠️ May prey on very small fish or shrimp
  • 🪵 Shy at first but becomes more active with time
  • 🌙 Primarily nocturnal but may come out during the day in a calm aquarium

🏠 Aquarium & Tank Requirements

  • 📦 Minimum Tank Size: 75+ gallons
  • 🪵 Provide caves, rock crevices, and PVC tubes for hiding
  • 🌿 Sandy substrate to protect delicate skin and burrowing behavior
  • 🌊 Moderate water flow with high oxygenation
  • 💡 Low to moderate lighting

💧 Water Parameters – Saddled Tanganyika Eel Care

  • 🌡️ Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
  • ⚗️ pH: 7.8–9.0 (alkaline, African rift lake conditions)
  • 💧 Hardness: Hard to very hard water

🍽️ Diet – Carnivorous

  • 🦐 Frozen shrimp, krill, and prawns
  • 🪱 Earthworms and blackworms
  • 🐟 Strips of fish fillet
  • 🚫 Avoid feeder fish to prevent parasite introduction

📋 Saddled Tanganyika Eel Care Overview Table

Feature Details
🌍 Origin Lake Tanganyika – Africa
📏 Max Size 16–20 inches (40–50 cm)
😇 Temperament Peaceful with larger tankmates
🏠 Tank Size 75+ gallons
⚗️ pH Range 7.8–9.0
🌡️ Temperature 75–82°F (24–28°C)
🍽️ Diet Carnivorous
🎯 Ideal For African cichlid keepers, oddball collectors

✨ Highlight:

  • The Saddled Tanganyika Eel is a beautiful and elusive oddball from Lake Tanganyika, perfectly suited for rift lake aquariums with robust cichlids, where its striking saddle markings and unique body shape make it a standout.
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