the STARRY NIGHT EEL A medium-sized, beautifully marked species of spiny eel, the African Starry Night or Longtail Spiny Eel is found in Central Africa, where it ranges from the Congo River Basin to several of the Rift Lakes as well as lake and riverine habitats in the surrounding areas. Hardy and more outgoing than many of their relatives, these fish make a unique addition to medium to large aquariums and will generally do well with any fish too large to become a meal. Like most spiny eels, they can be a bit slow to feed at first, so care should be taken to ensure they are getting enough food. Frozen bloodworms are usually accepted readily.
African Starry Night Eel (Mastacembelus frenatus)
Origin:Â Wild Central Africa
Locale:Â Congo River Basin
Diet:Â Predator, feeds on insects, small fish, and crustaceans in the wild. Will typically accept frozen foods
Adult Size: 14″+
Recommended Tank Size:Â 60 gallon+
Compatibility:Â Generally not aggressive towards tankmates too big to be considered a meal. Should not be kept with overly aggressive fish which may nip at their fins or that may outcompete them for food.
Preferred Water Parameters
pH:                         6.8 – 7.8
Temp:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 76-82F
Ammonia:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 0ppm
Nitrite:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 0ppm
Nitrate:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â <30ppm