Species profile
Tire Track Eel
Mastacembelus armatus
Peaceful
Hard care
700 L minimum aquarium
50–90 cm adult size
Bottom
Can be kept singly
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Legacy 400 L guidance was too small for a fish reaching up to 90 cm.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–28 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH
2–18 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low–moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Can be kept singly
Tank zone
Bottom
Territory level
Moderate
Predation risk
Small fish
Bioload factor
4.5
Usually peaceful toward suitably large fish but territorial with its own kind; keep singly unless an exceptionally large aquarium supports a group.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
Yes
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
Not yet documented
Diet type
Carnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
700 L
Minimum footprint
180 × 60 cm
Accepted scientific name
Mastacembelus armatus
Alternative names
Tyre Track Eel, Zig-zag Eel
Native range
Widespread South and South-East Asia.
Natural habitat
Rivers, lakes, wetlands and flooded habitats over sand/mud. Provide a 180 × 60 cm+ footprint, deep soft sand, very secure heavy cover and powerful but gentle-output filtration.
Diet & feeding
Large frozen aquatic foods, worms, crustaceans and molluscs; dried food is often poorly accepted.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Mature females may be fuller-bodied; external sexing is otherwise difficult.
Breeding
Not reliably bred in home aquaria.