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Peacock Eel
Macrognathus siamensis
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii
📍 Southeast Asia
A slender, small spiny eel from Southeast Asia reaching about 12 inches, with an olive-brown body and a row of eye-like spots (ocelli) along the upper flank that give the species its common name. It is a peaceful burrower that needs a soft substrate like fine sand, meaty foods such as bloodworms and tubifex, and secure tank lids as it is an escape artist.
Care Guide
Diet
Peacock eels are carnivorous and require meaty foods such as bloodworms, tubifex worms, small crustaceans, and quality sinking pellets. Feed small portions 2-3 times weekly, as they are nocturnal hunters and may ignore food during the day. Supplement occasionally with live foods like small shrimp or insect larvae to encourage natural feeding behavior.
Behavior
This is a peaceful, nocturnal bottom-dweller that spends most of its time burrowing in soft substrate and hiding among plants and décor. It is generally solitary and non-aggressive toward other fish, though it may consume very small organisms. The peacock eel is an escape artist and requires a secure, tightly-fitting tank lid as it can wriggle through surprisingly small gaps.
Breeding
Breeding peacock eels in captivity is extremely rare and poorly documented. They require specific environmental triggers and pair bonding that are difficult to replicate in home aquariums. Most captive specimens are wild-caught, and successful breeding has not been reliably achieved by hobbyists.
Tank Mates
Small, peaceful mid-water swimmers that won't compete for bottom space or trigger predatory behavior
Similar nocturnal, burrowing behavior and peaceful nature; compatible water parameters
May be tolerated but large shrimp are safer; avoid very small shrimp that may be consumed
Small, peaceful algae-eaters that occupy different ecological niches and won't compete for food
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects
Raise water temperature gradually to 28-29°C, perform frequent water changes, and use ich-specific medication; ensure good water quality and reduce stress
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration, fin loss
Improve water quality with frequent partial water changes, remove sharp décor, and apply antibacterial medication if severe; ensure soft substrate to prevent injury
Parasitic Infections
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, lethargy
Use antiparasitic medication appropriate for eels; quarantine if possible and maintain pristine water conditions; avoid overfeeding
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, behavioral changes
Perform large water changes, maintain optimal water parameters, and use broad-spectrum antibacterial treatment; isolate if possible to prevent spread
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Water it likes
- ph
- 6.5–7.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- temperature
- 73–82°F (23–28°C)