Pisodonophis boro is reported to reach an adult length of up to 100 cm, but aquarium specimens are likely to remain somewhat smaller. It is primarily found in shallow marine and brackish water habitats but sometimes swims into adjacent freshwater areas, and it is reported to spawn in rice paddies. Wild fish are nocturnal and feed mostly on small fish though it has also been reported to eat small crabs, specifically fiddler crabs.
Pisodonophis boro is greenish-brown in colour, has a very thin snake-like shape, and remarkably reduced fins.
Pisodonophis boro is able to burrow into the sediment either head-first or tail-first, but has relatively poor eyesight and likely hunts primarily by smell.
Rice paddy eels have not been commonly traded and little is known about their care. Basic maintenance is likely very similar to that of spaghetti eels, as
described elsewhere in this FAQ, though allowance should be made for their potentially larger size and mosr piscivorous nature. A mixed diet of insect larvae such as bloodworms, earthworms and river shrimps will likely work well, and settled specimens should adapt to taking wet-frozen foods of all kinds.
Since
Pisodonophis boro are burrowing fish, the aquarium must contain a soft, sandy substrate. River sand or smooth silver sand would be best; a little coral sand might be added to raise the pH and hardness should that be required. Salinity is of secondary importance, and something between SG 1.005 to 1.015 at 25 degrees C should suit them well.
Because this species has only very recently appeared in the trade, little is known about how well adult
Pisodonophis boro behave in community tanks. Juveniles at least appear to be peaceful, even gregarious. However, given its size and predatory nature, anything small enough to swallow whole will likely end up being eaten, and adults would probably have to be mixed with robust fast-moving midwater fish such as monos and scats.
