Tire Track Eel

Looks how to spot one

Long, eel-shaped body with a row of small spines along the back

A brown, snake-like fish with a pointed snout and dark zigzag lines along the upper body that join into a pattern resembling tyre tracks. A dark stripe runs through the eye, and the back fin is dotted with black. The back spines are harmless to people.123

Personality what they are like

Usually peaceful towards other fish that are too large to eat, but it can be quarrelsome with its own kind, so one per tank is the usual advice.32

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Nocturnal bottom dweller that digs, burrows and noses through decor while foraging. In the wild it migrates within river systems.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Provide soft sand to burrow in, hiding places, dim light and gentle flow, and use a close-fitting hood. Seriously Fish notes it does best in mildly brackish water. Secure decor, as it tends to dig things up.32

Home where they are happiest

A large tropical tank; Seriously Fish suggests a base of at least 120 x 60 cm (about 430 L) for an adult, 24-28 °C, pH 6.0-7.0 and 5-12 dGH. FishBase gives 22-28 °C and pH 6.5-7.5.31

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Carnivore. Wild fish eat small fish, insects, molluscs, crustaceans and worms, swallowing prey whole. In captivity it takes meaty foods such as prawn, krill, lancefish, bloodworm and brine shrimp.23

Company who they like around

Best kept as a single specimen. If several are kept, Seriously Fish suggests a group of five or more in a very large tank to spread out any squabbles.3

The story where it all began

Lacepède first described the species in 1800 under the genus Macrognathus, and it has gathered many scientific synonyms since. It is an important food fish across South Asia and is also a long-standing aquarium fish.21

Recognised by the official bits

FishBase

Described by Lacepède in 1800; family Mastacembelidae (spiny eels).1

IUCN Red List (via FishBase)

Least Concern (assessed 2019).1