Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Tire Track Eel
Mastacembelus armatus
Also called Tyre track eel, Zig-zag eel, White-spotted spiny eel, Marbled spiny eel, Baim
From South and Southeast Asia, from Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh to southern China, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia, in streams, rivers and coastal marshes.12
At a glance the quick version
Up to about 90-91 cm in the wild; Wikipedia notes it seldom exceeds about 51 cm in aquariums.
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
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Its nostrils hold 60-76 tiny folds of scent tissue, helping it sniff out food in murky water.2
- 2
Despite its looks it is not a true eel; spiny eels belong to the order Synbranchiformes.2
- 3
It often buries itself in sand with only its head showing.3
- 4
It is one of the economically important spiny eels, valued both as food and in the aquarium trade.1
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
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Tire Track Eel. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- Feedingevery day
- Water changeAbout 30 to 50% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Filter rinseevery 2 weeks
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Tire Track Eel?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests feeding every day. Your Tire Track Eel is a carnivore that enjoys meaty foods, so daily feeding with appropriate portions is fine. Adjust based on its appetite and consult your vet for exact amounts.32 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Tire Track Eel eat, and what should it never eat?
Your Tire Track Eel is a carnivore and loves meaty foods like prawn, krill, bloodworm, and brine shrimp. It should never eat plant-based foods; for a complete list of safe and unsafe foods, ask your vet.32
How much space does a Tire Track Eel need?
An adult Tire Track Eel needs a large tank with a base of at least 120 x 60 cm, which is about 430 litres. This gives it room to burrow and explore.31
What temperature, light or water does a Tire Track Eel need?
Keep the water tropical at 24-28°C, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 and soft to moderate hardness. Provide dim lighting, gentle flow, and a close-fitting hood. Seriously Fish notes it does best in mildly brackish water.321
How often should I clean a Tire Track Eel's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a weekly water change of 30 to 50%, along with a weekly water test. Rinse the filter every two weeks to keep the tank healthy. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Tire Track Eel live with others?
Your Tire Track Eel is usually peaceful with fish too large to eat, but it can be quarrelsome with its own kind. It's best kept alone; if you want a group, Seriously Fish recommends five or more in a very large tank.32
How long does a Tire Track Eel live?
Lifespan information is not provided in our sources. For accurate details, ask your vet or a good breeder.
Can I handle a Tire Track Eel?
Handling is not recommended for this fish. It is a nocturnal bottom dweller that prefers to burrow, so it's best to observe rather than handle. Consult your vet for any health checks.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.
- Mastacembelus armatus, Zig-zag eel - FishBase fishbase.seused for origin, taxonomy, IUCN status, size, weight, water parameters, behaviour
- Zig-zag eel - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, distribution, size, appearance, behaviour, diet, history, fun facts
- Mastacembelus armatus - Seriously Fish seriouslyfish.comused for tank size, water parameters, substrate, diet, compatibility, group keeping
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.