Peacock Eel

Peacock Eel

Macrognathus siamensis

Also known as: Spot-Finned Spiny Eel

💧 Freshwater ✌️ Peaceful 🟡 Moderate 🥩 Carnivore

Eel-shaped fish with distinctive eyespot markings along the dorsal fin. Buries in sand with only its snout visible.

Tank Size

30 gal
minimum (55+ preferred)

Temperature

73–82°F
23–28°C

pH Range

6.5–7.5
water acidity

Max Size

9"
22.9 cm

Lifespan

8–15 years
typical in captivity

Swim Level

Bottom
preferred zone

Care Notes

Requires fine sand substrate for burrowing. Escape artist — needs a tightly fitted lid. Nocturnal and shy.

Feeding

Frozen bloodworms, live blackworms, and brine shrimp. Can be difficult to wean onto pellets. Feed at night.

Compatible Tank Mates

Geophagus Tapajos Red Head 7" Festivum Cichlid 6" Keyhole Cichlid 4" Cupid Cichlid 5" Sven's Eartheater 7" Altifrons Eartheater 10" Common Pleco 18" Kuhli Loach 4" Clown Loach 12" Pictus Catfish 5" Upside Down Catfish 4" Striped Raphael Catfish 7"

Use Caution With

Giant Danio 4" Angelfish 6" Discus 8" Firemouth Cichlid 6" Severum 8" Blood Parrot Cichlid 8" Electric Blue Acara 6" Kribensis 4" Blue Acara 6" Rainbow Cichlid 5" Chocolate Cichlid 10" Uaru 10"

Incompatible With

Neon Tetra 1.5" Cardinal Tetra 2" Rummy Nose Tetra 2" Ember Tetra 0.8" Black Skirt Tetra 2.5" Serpae Tetra 1.75" Congo Tetra 3.5" Glowlight Tetra 1.5" Harlequin Rasbora 2" Chili Rasbora 0.7" Celestial Pearl Danio 1" Zebra Danio 2"

Check Compatibility

Want to check if Peacock Eel is compatible with a specific fish? Use our compatibility checker to build your complete tank.