
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Macrognathus siamensis
A spiny eel whose row of eyespots along the dorsal fin base recalls peacock feathers. It occurs in the Mekong and Chao Phraya basins. Scaleless and a burrower, it needs a fine sand bed, and reaches 30cm.
Macrognathus siamensis is a mastacembelid of the Mekong, Chao Phraya and Mae Klong basins and other river systems of peninsular and southeastern Thailand. FishBase records 30cm standard length; total length reaches 30cm, though 20cm is more usual. The row of eyespots along the dorsal fin base gives the fish its English name. Adults live on the bottom of slow-moving or standing water, buried in silt, sand or fine gravel with only part of the head showing, and emerge at dusk to forage for benthic insect larvae. Being scaleless it requires a fine substrate it can burrow into. It breeds in the wet season when adjacent forests flood, and larvae reach 8cm about 60 days after hatching. The sexes cannot readily be told apart. An introduced population, most likely of aquarium origin, is established in the Everglades of Florida.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Peacock Eel lives 8-12 years.
The Peacock Eel grows to 20-30cm.
Origin
Southeast Asia (Mekong, Chao Phraya and Mae Klong basins and related systems)
Lifespan
8-12 years
Size
20-30cm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Find listings for this species
Frozen bloodworm, Tubifex, small crustaceans
A bottom-dwelling fish reaching 30cm, so a tank with a large footprint is needed. It is scaleless and burrows, so use a deep bed of rounded fine sand and add pipes or driftwood as refuges. Spiny eels escape through gaps, so seal the cover.
A tropical freshwater fish, it is scaleless and sensitive to poor water, so keep temperature and water quality stable. The natural habitat is slow-moving or standing water.
A nocturnal bottom dweller feeding on benthic insect larvae, small crustaceans and fish. Avoid tankmates small enough to swallow, including dwarf shrimp.
In the wild it takes small crustaceans, annelids and fish. In captivity offer sinking meaty foods such as frozen bloodworm and Tubifex, given after dusk when it becomes active.
It breeds during the wet season when adjacent forests flood, and larvae reach 8cm about 60 days after hatching. The sexes are hard to distinguish externally and no home-aquarium protocol is established.
Being scaleless it is sensitive to medication and poor water. An introduced population, most likely of aquarium origin, is established in the Florida Everglades, so it must never be released.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Peacock Eel is 8-12 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Peacock Eel typically reaches 20-30cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Peacock Eel feeds on: Frozen bloodworm, Tubifex, small crustaceans. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Peacock Eel varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026