(XA) Peacock Eel (Macrognathus siamensis)

Description

Peacock Eel (Macrognathus siamensis)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Macrognathus siamensis

• Common Names: Peacock Eel, Spot-Finned Spiny Eel, Siamese Spiny Eel

• Family: Mastacembelidae (Spiny Eels)

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam)

• Size: 8 – 12 inches (20 – 30 cm)

• Lifespan: 8 – 12 years in captivity

• Tank Zone: Bottom dwellers; often burrow in substrate

🌊 Water Parameters

• TDS: 120 – 250 ppm

• pH: 6.0 – 7.5

• Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)

• Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH

🐟 Characteristics

• Slender, elongated eel-like body with yellowish-brown base color.

• Distinct eye-like peacock spots near the tail fin and along the dorsal fin.

• Shy and nocturnal by nature, spending much time burrowed in sand.

• Peaceful and generally non-aggressive, though may eat very small fish.

• Possess sharp spines near the dorsal area – handle with care.

🍽️ Food

• Type: Carnivorous.

• Diet: Live/frozen foods – bloodworms, tubifex, blackworms, small shrimp, chopped earthworms. Rarely accept flakes or pellets unless trained.

• Feeding Schedule: Once daily in the evening (they are more active at night).

🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a single specimen; larger for groups.

• Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel (they burrow and can injure themselves on sharp substrates).

• Decor: Caves, driftwood, PVC pipes, and dense plants for hiding.

• Lighting: Dim lighting preferred; floating plants help.

• Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow, well-oxygenated water.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly; sensitive to poor water quality.

• Lid: Tight-fitting lid required – expert escape artists.

👥 Social Behavior

• Peaceful with most tank mates.

• Best kept with medium-sized, calm fish (Gouramis, Barbs, Rainbowfish, Corydoras, Loaches).

• Avoid housing with aggressive cichlids or very small fish (like Neon Tetras) which may be eaten.

• Can be kept singly or in small groups if enough hiding spots are provided.

✅ Do’s

• Provide soft sand for burrowing.

• Keep a secure lid to prevent escapes.

• Feed a protein-rich diet for good health.

❌ Don’ts

• Don’t keep with very aggressive tank mates.

• Don’t use sharp gravel or rough decorations.

• Don’t rely on dry foods alone – they often refuse flakes/pellets.

⭐ Quick Tips

• Fascinating, unusual aquarium fish that adds personality and activity at night.

• Hardy but requires special care due to its burrowing habits.

• Best for intermediate aquarists who can provide the right setup.