Description
Peacock Eel (Macrognathus siamensis)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Macrognathus siamensis
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Common Names: Peacock Eel, Spot-Finned Spiny Eel, Siamese Spiny Eel
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Family: Mastacembelidae (Spiny Eels)
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Origin: Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam)
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Size: 8 – 12 inches (20 – 30 cm)
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Lifespan: 8 – 12 years in captivity
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Tank Zone: Bottom dwellers; often burrow in substrate
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 120 – 250 ppm
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pH: 6.0 – 7.5
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Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
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Hardness: 5 – 15 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Slender, elongated eel-like body with yellowish-brown base color.
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Distinct eye-like peacock spots near the tail fin and along the dorsal fin.
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Shy and nocturnal by nature, spending much time burrowed in sand.
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Peaceful and generally non-aggressive, though may eat very small fish.
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Possess sharp spines near the dorsal area – handle with care.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Carnivorous.
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Diet: Live/frozen foods – bloodworms, tubifex, blackworms, small shrimp, chopped earthworms. Rarely accept flakes or pellets unless trained.
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Feeding Schedule: Once daily in the evening (they are more active at night).
🛠️ Tank Setup & Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a single specimen; larger for groups.
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Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel (they burrow and can injure themselves on sharp substrates).
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Decor: Caves, driftwood, PVC pipes, and dense plants for hiding.
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Lighting: Dim lighting preferred; floating plants help.
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Filtration: Gentle to moderate flow, well-oxygenated water.
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Water Change: 25–30% weekly; sensitive to poor water quality.
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Lid: Tight-fitting lid required – expert escape artists.
👥 Social Behavior
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Peaceful with most tank mates.
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Best kept with medium-sized, calm fish (Gouramis, Barbs, Rainbowfish, Corydoras, Loaches).
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Avoid housing with aggressive cichlids or very small fish (like Neon Tetras) which may be eaten.
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Can be kept singly or in small groups if enough hiding spots are provided.
✅ Do’s
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Provide soft sand for burrowing.
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Keep a secure lid to prevent escapes.
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Feed a protein-rich diet for good health.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t keep with very aggressive tank mates.
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Don’t use sharp gravel or rough decorations.
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Don’t rely on dry foods alone – they often refuse flakes/pellets.
⭐ Quick Tips
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Fascinating, unusual aquarium fish that adds personality and activity at night.
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Hardy but requires special care due to its burrowing habits.
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Best for intermediate aquarists who can provide the right setup.
