West African Spiny Eel

[Fruitbat]

Just picked this little fellow (about 9 inches) yesterday from my favorite local fish store. Most of the spiny eels (Mastacembelids) kept in aquariums are from Asia - like the Fire Eel, Tiretrack Eel and Peacock Eel - but there are a number of genera and species that hail from Africa that are not as commonly seen.

I'm not sure of the genus of this fish (could be one of a couple) and certainly not of the species but it is quite active so far and definitely attractive.

-Joe

 

[CFC]

Thats a rather nice fish! Could it be Afromastacembelus tanganicae?

 

[Fruitbat]

I don't think it is Afromastacembelus tanganicae for the simple reason that this one comes from western Africa rather than from the Rift Valley (at least that's what I've been told). Spiny Eels are so much fun to identify!

-Joe

 

[Paul_MTS]

stunning pattern what ever it's name turns out to be.