{"product_id":"spiny-eel-banded","title":"Spiny Eel - Banded","description":"\u003cstyle\u003e\na {\n    text-decoration: none;\n    color: #464feb;\n}\ntr th, tr td {\n    border: 1px solid #e6e6e6;\n}\ntr th {\n    background-color: #f5f5f5;\n}\n\u003c\/style\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eBanded Spiny Eel\u003c\/strong\u003e is a fascinating freshwater fish prized for its eel-like body, striking banded pattern, and curious personality. With its elongated form and distinctive dark bands running across a light brown to golden body, this unique species brings an exotic and captivating presence to any aquarium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike true eels, Banded Spiny Eels belong to the Mastacembelidae family and are known for their inquisitive behaviour and ability to form recognisable routines with their keepers. They often spend their time weaving through plants, exploring caves, or partially burying themselves in soft substrate while observing their surroundings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful by nature and best suited to well-planned community aquariums, Banded Spiny Eels make excellent centrepiece fish for aquarists seeking something a little different. Their graceful movements and nocturnal tendencies create a truly unique aquarium experience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy You'll Love Them\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eUnique eel-like appearance\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDistinctive banded markings\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntelligent and curious behaviour\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExcellent centrepiece fish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful with appropriately sized tank mates\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFascinating to observe and interact with\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 150L+\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24–28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5–7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivorous – bloodworms, earthworms, frozen foods, sinking carnivore pellets\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDifficulty:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderate\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBehaviour \u0026amp; Compatibility\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanded Spiny Eels are peaceful but predatory and should be housed with tank mates too large to be considered food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSuitable companions include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePeaceful Cichlids\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger Barbs\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRainbowfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLarger Rasboras\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGouramis\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCatfish\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⚠️ Avoid keeping them with very small fish or shrimp, as they may eventually become prey.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAquascaping Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBanded Spiny Eels thrive in aquariums with soft sand substrates, driftwood, caves, and dense planting. They enjoy burrowing and hiding during the day before becoming more active at dawn and dusk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA secure-fitting lid is essential, as Spiny Eels are known escape artists and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProviding plenty of hiding places will help them feel secure and encourage more natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Glass And Gill","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53537890664742,"sku":null,"price":200.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1019\/9810\/0774\/files\/eshwater_16_21dbfb05-286d-4f28-ba9c-6741b73a7b37.png?v=1785323966","url":"https:\/\/www.glassandgill.co.za\/products\/spiny-eel-banded","provider":"Glass And Gill","version":"1.0","type":"link"}