Macrognathus siamensis

Macrognathus siamensis is a tropical fish belonging to the family Mastacembelidae.

Macrognathus siamensis
Peacock spiny eel with Kuhlii loach
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Synbranchiformes
Family: Mastacembelidae
Genus: Macrognathus
Species:
M. siamensis
Binomial name
Macrognathus siamensis
(Günther, 1861)
Synonyms[2]
  • Rhynchobdella aculeata siamensis Günther, 1861
  • Mastacembelus siamensis (Günther, 1861)

In the aquarium the fish is known by the common name peacock eel or spiny peacock eel.[3]

Description and ecology

Macrognathus siamensis has been recorded to reach a maximum length of 30 centimetres (12 in).[2] M. siamensis is a freshwater species, generally found at the bottoms of bodies of water. It is found in the rivers of Southeast Asia, including the Mekong, Chao Phraya, and Mae Klong. During the day, Macrognathus siamensis buries itself in the river bottom, coming out at night to feed on insects, crustaceans, and worms.[2]

In the aquarium

Although usually peaceful, they will eat any fish smaller than their mouths (ex. neon tetra); like most eels, they need places to hide, such as driftwood or artificial decorations, coming out usually only at night to feed, hence they should be fed at night. They are notorious jumpers, and will use open areas and even external filters to escape.

References
  1. Vidthayanon, C. (2012). "Macrognathus siamensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T180869A1672138. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T180869A1672138.en.
  2. Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2019). "Macrognathus siamensis" in FishBase. August 2019 version.
  3. "The truth about spiny eels | Practical Fishkeeping magazine". Retrieved 2008-11-24.


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