Half Banded Spiny Eels make an unusual addition to the peaceful softwater fish community. The aquarium should have a soft sand substrate so that these diggers can bury themselves, and plenty of hiding places amongst plant thickets, bogwood, caves, pipes and so on. Indian Almond Leaves (Terminalia catappa) are very much appreciated as 'leaf litter', and will help to simulate blackwater conditions, but they must be replaced regularly. The footprint (length and width) of the tank is much more important than the height.