Peacock Eel - Macrognathus siamensis

The Peacock Eel (Macrognathus siamensis) is a fascinating and peaceful oddball fish that brings plenty of personality to the aquarium. Named for the striking "eye spots" near the base of its dorsal fin, this beautiful spiny eel features a slender, eel-like body with warm brown tones, a pale yellow stripe running along its body, and distinctive peacock-like markings that make it a true standout.

Despite their unusual appearance, Peacock Eels are one of the most peaceful and beginner-friendly spiny eels available. They are naturally curious and often become quite interactive, learning to recognise their keeper and eagerly emerging at feeding time.

Aquarium Setup

Peacock Eels thrive in mature aquariums with a soft sand substrate, allowing them to burrow naturally without damaging their delicate skin. Provide plenty of hiding places using driftwood, caves, PVC pipes, and dense planting to help them feel secure. Dim lighting and floating plants are also appreciated.

A secure, tight-fitting lid is essential, as Peacock Eels are excellent escape artists and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps.

They are peaceful and can be kept with other similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. They may also be kept in small groups provided the aquarium offers plenty of space and multiple hiding places.

Feeding

Peacock Eels are carnivores and thrive on a varied diet of frozen and live foods. Bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, and chopped earthworms are all eagerly accepted. Many tank-raised specimens will also learn to eat high-quality sinking carnivore pellets.

As they are naturally most active during the evening, feeding around dusk or after the aquarium lights have dimmed often produces the best results.

Why We Like This Fish

• Unique eel-like appearance with striking peacock eye spots
• Peaceful and ideal for community aquariums
• Full of personality and fascinating behaviour
• One of the easiest spiny eels to keep
• Excellent choice for planted and natural aquariums

Recommended Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 22–26°C
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• GH: Soft to moderately hard water
• Minimum Aquarium Size: 90 litres
• Substrate: Fine sand is strongly recommended

Care Information

• Diet: Carnivore – accepts frozen, live, and high-quality sinking carnivore foods.
• Temperament: Peaceful.
• Social Behaviour: Can be kept singly or in small groups if adequate hiding places are provided.
• Origin: Southeast Asia.
• Maximum Size: Approximately 20 cm.
• Tank Level: Bottom.

Compatibility: Excellent with peaceful community fish such as rainbowfish, gouramis, larger tetras, peaceful barbs, Corydoras, and loaches. Avoid housing with very small fish that may be viewed as food or aggressive species that may outcompete them.

Please note: Sample photos are for reference only. Colour, size, and markings may vary slightly as each fish is unique.