• Name:

    Peacock Eel

    (View AKA's)
  • Family: Mastacembelidae
  • Species: Eel
  • Scientific Name: Macrognathus siamensis
More Details

Also Know As:

| Spot Finned Spiny Eel

| Peacock Spiny Eel

| Striped Peacock Eel

| Siamese Spiny Eel

General info about Peacock Eel

The Peacock Eel is a fascinating and unique freshwater fish that can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length. They require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons with plenty of hiding places and a soft substrate. They are native to rivers and streams in Southeast Asia.

Peacock Eel Diet & Nutrition

In the wild, Peacock Eels are carnivores and feed on small fish, crustaceans, and insects. In captivity, they should be fed a varied diet of live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and chopped seafood.

Determining Sex of Peacock Eel

Males and females are similar in appearance and it can be difficult to determine their sex.

Breeding & Spawning Peacock Eel

Breeding Peacock Eels in captivity is rare and challenging. They require a separate breeding tank with specific water conditions and live foods to trigger spawning. The eggs are adhesive and will attach to a surface such as a plant or rock. The fry should be fed a diet of newly hatched brine shrimp and other small live foods.

Common Diseases with Peacock Eel

Peacock Eels are susceptible to common aquarium diseases such as bacterial infections and parasites. They are also prone to stress-related illnesses such as hole-in-the-head disease and should be kept in a stress-free environment.

Peacock Eel Origin

The Peacock Eel is native to rivers and streams in Southeast Asia.

Caution with Peacock Eel

Peacock Eels are known to be escape artists and require a tightly secured aquarium lid. They can also be aggressive towards smaller fish and should be kept with larger, peaceful tankmates. Additionally, they have sharp teeth and should be handled with care.

Acclimating Peacock Eel

When introducing Peacock Eels to a new aquarium, it is important to acclimate them slowly. Float the bag containing the fish in the aquarium for about 15-20 minutes to equalize the temperature. Then, slowly add small amounts of aquarium water to the bag over a period of at least 30 minutes. This will allow the fish to adjust to the new water conditions and prevent shock.

Original Detail

Name Species Family Scientific Name More Detail Added by
Peacock Eel Eel Mastacembelidae Macrognathus siamensis The Peacock Eel is a fascinating and unique freshwater fish that can grow up to 10 inches (25 cm) in length. They require a minimum tank size of 30 gallons with plenty of hiding places and a soft substrate. They are native to rivers and streams in Southeast Asia. PalaciosAn

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