Peacock Eel
Common Names: Peacock Eel, Siamese Spiny Eel
Scientific Name: Macrognathus siamensis
Maximum Size: 12 inches
Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons
Temperature Range: 73 - 82°F
pH Range: 6 - 8
Water hardness: 6 - 25dH
Temperament: Peaceful and shy
Origin: India, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Sumatra
Aquarium Setup:
The natural habitat for the Peacock eel is the slow moving waters of streams and rivers in Southeast Asia. This eel thrives in the dense aquatic plants and a substrate of sand, silt and fine gravel. These are the conditions that should be duplicated in the aquarium.
The Peacock eel likes to have plenty of hiding places as this helps it to feel safe and secure. A lot of plants, especially floating ones are recommended as well cave like areas created by using rocks, wood, artificial ornaments, and even short sections of PVC piping.
When they are introduced to a new aquarium it can often take several weeks before they become accustomed to their new home. Providing the proper habitat can significantly reduce the time it takes for them to settle in.
Peacock eels are notorious jumpers so it is very important that your tank be covered well. If you use an external power filter or pump pay particular attention to any openings around them as the eel will eventually work its way to escaping the aquarium.
Diet:
Peacock eels are often difficult to feed because of their shy nature. In the wild Peacock eels eat live food such as insect larvae, crustaceans and worms. Try to provide similar types of food for the Peacock eel in your aquarium. Mosquito larvae, brine shrimp and blood worms work quite well, but small earthworms are a particular favorite.
The Peacock eel is a nocturnal creature, so the best time to feed them is at night when the lights are turned out.
Tank Mates/Community:
The Peacock eel is a good addition to a community aquarium because it is very peaceful. However, it will often consider smaller fish to be food. The best companions for the Peacock eel are other similar sized peaceful fish and aquatic animals that like the same water conditions.
Behavior:
The Peacock eel is very peaceful and tolerant when housed with fish of similar size.
Color:
There are different coloration patterns among specimens from different areas, but generally Peacock eels are brown in color with the back being darker than its sides. A thin yellow line runs along its sides from its snout to the caudal (tail) fin. The Peacock eel also has a series of five eye-spots that run from the dorsal fin and back to the caudal fin.
Breeding:
Breeding the Peacock eel is very difficult. In fact, there are only very few known instances where they have been successfully bred in captivity. The Peacock eel, in the wild, is known only to spawn during the monsoon season.
