A curious burrowing eel that peeks out of the sand.
Lesser Spiny Eel
We have 4 left, so we keep them for customers who visit. Unit 22, 1736 Albany Highway, Kenwick. Open Tue to Sat, 12pm to 6pm
Get directionsA curious burrowing eel that peeks out of the sand.
About this fish
Lesser Spiny Eel (Macrognathus aculeatus) is a slender, patterned freshwater eel with a charming personality and fascinating burrowing behaviour. Smaller and more manageable than other spiny eels, it makes an excellent choice for intermediate aquarists looking for something truly unique in their planted or biotope aquarium.
Why you will love it
- Distinctive spotted and striped patterning along the body
- Entertaining burrowing and nocturnal foraging behaviour
- Approx size: 15–20 cm — more manageable than larger eel species
- Peaceful with fish too large to be eaten
- Thrives in planted tanks with soft, sandy substrate
Care requirements
- Care level: Moderate
- Adult size: 20 cm
- Temperature: 24 to 28°C
- pH: 6.5 to 7.5
- Swimming level: Bottom
- Minimum group size: 1+
Feeding: Live and frozen foods preferred; bloodworm, tubifex, and small invertebrates. Can be trained onto sinking pellets over time.
Compatibility: Peaceful with similarly sized tankmates; avoid small fish, shrimp, or invertebrates that may be eaten. Requires a tight-fitting lid as eels are escape artists.
School of Scape quality: We select healthy, well-conditioned fish and recommend a slow acclimation process and stable water parameters for best results.
How your fish arrive
Packed in oxygen filled bags inside an insulated box and sent overnight by air express on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Live arrival
8 hour live arrival guarantee. If a fish arrives dead or clearly stressed from transit, contact us within 8 hours of delivery with photos of the fish in the original sealed bag, and we will replace or refund it. Freight is not refundable, and someone needs to be home to accept the delivery. Remote far north WA (Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley) is sent at your own risk.
Delivery and returns
Free delivery over $100 in WA and $150 elsewhere in Australia. Free pickup from our Kenwick store, Tue to Sat, 12pm to 6pm.