One-stripe Spiny Eel

About

The one-stripe spinyeel (Macrognathus aculeatus) is one of those fish that rewards patient keepers who appreciate understated character over flashy looks. Distributed across a wide stretch of Southeast and South Asia, from Thailand and the Malay Peninsula through Borneo and Indonesia, with populations also recorded in India, Vietnam, Bangladesh, and Nepal, this species turns up in lowland wetlands, peat swamps, and medium to large rivers. Its common name comes from the single lateral stripe running along a slender, eel-like body, and like other spiny eels it has a series of small dorsal spines that give the group their name. In the aquarium it is primarily a nighttime creature, spending daylight hours tucked under driftwood, in dense cover, or buried in soft substrate. Which it will absolutely appreciate and use. When hungry enough, though, it will venture out during the day and move through all levels of the tank. It's a strict carnivore, so live and frozen foods like bloodworms and small invertebrates are the way to go. Not commonly seen in the trade, so grab one if you find it. Intermediate experience is recommended, mainly because of its dietary needs and its fondness for escaping through any gap in the lid.