Peacock Eel
The Macrognathus aculeatus , better known as the Peacock Eel was first described in scientific literature in 1788 by Bloch. Found in Southeast Asia and Borneo, the Peacock Eel can be differentiated from its close cousin the Spiny Eel by a small “ruffled” area in its pointed snout and larger ocelli spots in the tail. An elongated fish with a flattened tail/dorsalfin/anal fin rounds out the end of the eel and helps to propel it through the water. Preferring a sandy bottom for burrowing, the Peacock Eel can reach a total length of 13”. A night time predator, this eel will enjoy dense plantings and rocky hiding places in which to await its prey. Often, just the snout to the eyes is visible in the sandy substrate. The Peacock Eel likes meaty foods, bloodworms, tubifex worms, plankton and frozen brine shrimp, along with some of the sinking carnivore pellets. This eel can tolerate others of its kind, or be kept separately. Ideally its tankmates should be large enough to not be eaten, but not fin nippers that would harass the eel. Treating for parasite infestations will require the Peacock Eel to be treated as a smooth skin fish.
Detailed information about this animal.
