Is a peacock eel a real eel?
The Peacock Eel, Macrognathus siamensis is a very handsome spiny eel. There can be some variation in its colour and patterning, depending on where it originates from. Other common names they are known by are Spot-Finned Spiny Eel, Peacock Spiny Eel, Striped Peacock Eel, and Siamese Spiny Eel.
Where are peacock eels found?
Southeast Asia
These fish come from near-stagnant bodies of water in Southeast Asia. They’re most prevalent in the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Maeklong River Basins. In the fish-keeping community, peacock eels are an oddball species that many aquarists dream of owning.
Is a peacock eel aggressive?
For the most part, peacock eels are not aggressive. While they are known to eat small tank mates on the rare occasion, they don’t pose as a threat to many other species. The only problem you may run into with aggression is when you keep these eels with other Macrognathus siamensis.
How can you tell if a peacock eel is male or female?
Distinguishing between male and female Peacock eels can be a bit difficult, but the mature female will have a plumper body.
Can 2 peacock eels live together?
They can be great tank mates provided they share their home with the right kinds of fish. Peacock eels get along well with other fish of the same breed as long as they are of similar size. Peacock eels and their tank mates are safest when they are all “semi-aggressive” fish.
What does peacock eel eat?
Since eels love to dig, use potted live plants to prevent uprooting. Prefers small live foods such as crustaceans, earthworms, fish, crickets, mealworms, blood worms, glass worms, brine shrimp and tubifex worms. Frozen blood worms, brine shrimp, beef heart, plankton and glass worms are also accepted.
How often do you feed a peacock eel?
This fish is nocturnal and likes to be fed after the lights are turned off for the night. Eels only need to be fed a couple of times a week and some may refuse food offered more than that, then often eating only once every two or three weeks.
What do you feed Peacock eel?
They feed at night on insect larvae, crustaceans, and worms. Like all spiny eels they prefer a diet of live and fresh frozen foods such as brine shrimp, black worms, earthworms or bloodworms.
Are peacock eels brackish?
Peacock eels are brackish water species, meaning they are freshwater fish that prefer small amounts of salt. You may need to add up to 1 teaspoon of aquarium salt per gallon of water to keep them happy and healthy.
Can eels live with Oscars?
Bichirs are, without a doubt, the most interesting Oscar tank mate on our list. These long, eel shaped fish are native to Africa and the Nile River. Though they are bottom dwellers, adult Bichirs are actually air breathing fish, so you will see them shoot up to the tank surface often to breathe.
What size tank does a peacock eel need?
Due to their size, eels require a long or large aquarium. Minimum aquarium size should be 29 gallons, but preferably 55 gallons or more. A good rule of thumb is one gallon of water for every one inch of full-grown fish.
What fish to put with a peacock eel?
Peacock eels get along well with other fish of the same breed as long as they are of similar size.
How often to feed my peacock eel?
Feed peacock eels daily until you’re sure they’re eating and are healthy, then you may drop feedings down to several times a week, depending on how well your feeder animals establish themselves in your aquarium. Peacock eels are nocturnal-feeding obligate carnivores: They need live food.
How can I get my peacock eel to eat?
How to make your Peacock Eel eat Provide a Comfortable Environment. Peacock Eels need to feel comfortable and safe at all times. Ensure water conditions are optimal. The water conditions need to be within the comfortable range for Peacock Eels. Feed At Night. Keep peaceful tankmates. Remove Other Bottom Feeders. Feed Live Food. Use tools. Bury food in the substrate.
What do freshwater peacock eels eat?
What Do Eels Eat? General Diet. Eels generally won’t bother fish of a similar size, but do actively hunt smaller fish. Diet by Type. Striped peacock eels consume crickets, fish, crustaceans, brine shrimp and plankton, earthworms, mealworms, blood worms, glass worms and tubifex worms. Teeth and Diet. Commercial Diet.