Friendly Spiny Eel?

[spitz006]

I had a hand tame tire track eel that was really cool. I like the look of the tanganyikan eels such as Ellipsifer. Are they similarly friendly?

 

[nnagrade]

In my experience, the Tanganyikan spiny eels like Ellipsifer can become pretty personable, but usually not quite as bold as tire tracks. Mine stayed shy for the first couple months, then started recognizing feeding time and would come out whenever I approached the tank. Lots of hiding spots and peaceful tankmates really help build confidence.

 

[nnagrade]

snake game​

In my experience, the Tanganyikan spiny eels like Ellipsifer can become pretty personable, but usually not quite as bold as tire tracks. Mine stayed shy for the first couple months, then started recognizing feeding time and would come out whenever I approached the tank. Lots of hiding spots and peaceful tankmates really help build confidence.

There are some good YouTube videos if you search “Mastacembelus ellipsifer feeding” or “Tanganyikan spiny eel aquarium” — a few owners have theirs hand-feeding.

 

[phreeflow]

I’ve kept a few ellipsifer and they hid less than tire tracks I owned in the past. Kept them with various Tanganyikan cichlids and they were peaceful. Biggest difficulty was getting them off live worms…super picky and stubborn eaters