Eel - Peacock

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Spot Finned Spiny Eel, Siamese Spiny Eel Scientific Name: Mastacembelus siamensis

Basic Info

The Peacock Eel is a beautiful animal. Its body has a white to gray color with varying sizes and locations of black spots. They have long, narrow bodies with fins lining their upper and lower bodies. They move their body in an s-shaped pattern, which allows them to move. At maturity, the Peacock Eel will reach a size of nine to twelve inches.

Health

The Peacock Eel is a sensitive animal. It is not recommended for beginning aquarists. Peacock Eels should be kept in water with a pH level of 6.7, and with a temperature of 78 to 86 degrees fahrenheit. Peacock Eels can be hand fed, if trained to do so. They should be fed live foods, including earthworms, blood worms, brine shrimp, and fish. Foods should not the larger than one inch in length, however, because the Peacock Eel might choke and drown. For housing, they should be kept in tanks which hold at least 30-50 gallons. Breeding Peacock Eels do not breed in captivity. How or when they breed is not known. However, it is known that they lay eggs.

Habitat

Fresh water fish

Behavior

The Peacock Eel, also known as the "Spot Finned Spiny Eel," is a unique and exotic addition to any aquarium. Their long bodies and graceful movements make them desired by experienced aquarists. The Peacock Eel is a great community fish. However, it must only be kept with fish of the same size or larger, such as barbs, large tetras, and some cichlids. . Also, they should not be kept with snail, lobsters, crabs, or frogs because eels will more than likely eat them. Peacock Eels should be kept in large aquariums with moderate plant and rock decoration. They should have plenty of caves and other places to hide. Also, Peacock Eels need soft substrates, because they will spend most of their time buried under the ground, with only their nose sticking out to breathe.

Origin

Thailand

History

The Peacock Eel, or Macrognathus siamensis, is originally from Thailand.

Common Foods

They will attempt to eat any fish small enough to fit into their mouths