Mastacembelus oatesii – Oates’ Spiny Eel (~37 cm / ~15″ max) Pleco Tank Size: At least 23

Tank Size: At least 23 US gallons (≈90 L) with a long footprint

Lifespan: 5–8 years

Best kept in a small shoal of 4–6 individuals to encourage confident behavior

Tankmates: Compatible with other peaceful

best suited to mature

Mastacembelus oatesii – Oates’ Spiny Eel (~37 cm / ~15″ max) Pleco Tank Size: At least 23Description Mastacembelus oatesii is a spiny eel species native exclusively to Inle Lake in Myanmar. Males can reach up to approximately 37 cm in length and feature a broad, short snout with large dark spots along a slender body. It has fewer dorsal and anal fin rays compared to most Mastacembelus speciestypically 4856 dorsal rays and 4660 anal rays, with correspondingly fewer vertebrae . Unlike many of its relatives, the fins are free of spot