Unit conversion calculator for aquariums: How many gallons are in your aquarium, how many drops in a teaspoon, whats the difference between a US gallon and a UK gallon, not to mention liters?
Piranhas, one of the most efficient predators with razor sharp teeth and a ferocious nature. Piranha Fish Species, description, information, habitat, and more!
Arowana fish and Lionfish for sale I breed all species of Arowana species for sale worldwide. Albino stingrays and Black Diamond X Super White cross rays. Contact me via email if interested in aquarium species ...alimohsin@asia.com Alimohsin
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Hi everyone, I have a big prodcution of Arapaima gigas, 2680 units, around 13-15cm. each one. I am from Perú, If there is someone interested on buy them, please send me a email to: robindehs@ aol.com We can reach a good low price. I can send to any country, all legal documents paper ready to run. Regards Peruvian Fish
Looking for Aba Aba any size willing to pay a reasonable fee for one or two, I am very familiar with these guys and have the tank space,
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386.295-8834 cel Bobby Sydnor
LOOKING FOR ABA ABA if any one knows any store or person that has any size I'd be interested as they ship very easily because they breath fresh air, and are pretty hardy.
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Bobby Sydnor
I’ve had two of these funky little noodles in my 75 gal community for a few months now, and both are doing great. They’re both about the same size and they came... (more)Sara
The Peacock Spiny Eel with its six attractive 'eyespots' is a very handsome freshwater eel!
The Peacock Eel Macrognathus siamensis is a very handsome spiny eel. There can be some variation in its color and patterning, depending on where it originates from. But basically they are light brown in color with a thin pale yellow stripe running from the eye to the base of the tail.
You can readily see where the name 'Peacock' Eel comes from. They will generally have between three to six decorative 'eye spots' adorning the upper rear portion of the body along the base of the dorsal fin. Other common names they are known by are Spot-Finned Spiny Eel, Peacock Spiny Eel, Striped Peacock Eel, and Siamese Spiny Eel.
Although not considered to be true eels, the body shapes of all members of the spiny eel family, Mastacembelidae, are definitely eel-like. The Peacock Eel has an elongated, but rather thick body and a pointed snout. This is an aquarium eel that doesn't get too big, reaching just under a foot (30 cm) in length. Juveniles can be kept in about a 20 gallon tank, but larger specimens will need a bigger area. Adults will need a tank that is 36 inches in length and about 35 gallons. Make sure you have a tight fitting cover as these guys are escape artists
Peacock Spiny Eel is very hardy and commonly available. It makes a great starter fish for first time spiny eel keepers. It is generally a willing feeder and readily adapts to aquarium life. It is also relatively small, with its maximum adult size being just under a foot long. As it is nocturnal you may not always see it though. It will usually hide during the daytime by burying itself in the substrate.
Peacock Eels are peaceful fish that can be kept in a community tank with larger fish. As you can see from the photo above where this adult specimen is housed with a Jack Dempsey cichlid, they are great with a variety of tank mates. Unlike many of the spiny eels, this species will also get along well with others of its own kind as long as they are of a similar size.
The Peacock Eel Macrognathus siamensis was described by Günther in 1861. They are found in Asia: Mekong, Chao Phraya, Maeklong, Peninsular and Southeast Thailand. This species is listed on the IUCN Red List as least concern (LC) because it is common throughout its range, and although there is pollution and overfishing they are not considered significant threats at present. Other common names they are known by are Spot-Finned Spiny Eel, Peacock Spiny Eel, Striped Peacock Eel, Siamese Spiny Eel, and Spotfinned Spiny Eel.
They inhabit slow-moving, thickly vegetated areas of rivers and the still waters of flooded fields. They are nocturnal and will bury themselves (except for the head) in the silt or fine sand substrate during the day. They will emerge at night to feed on insect larvae, crustaceans, and worms.
Scientific Name: Macrognathus siamensis
Social Grouping: Groups
IUCN Red List: LC - Least Concern - .
Description
The body of the Peacock Eel is elongated with a pointed snout. Both the dorsal and anal fins are extended back to the caudal fin, which is quite small. These fish will grow up to almost 12 inches (30 cm) in length and generally have a life span of about 8 - 18 years.
This eel is primarily light brown in color and it has a thin pale yellow stripe running from the eye to the base of the tail. Its common name 'Peacock' Eel is derived from the approximately 3 to 6 ocelli or 'eyespots' found along the base of the dorsal fin. There can be some color and pattern variations depending upon it place of origination.
Size of fish - inches: 11.8 inches (29.97 cm)
Lifespan: 18 years - Spiny eels have a lifespan of 8 - 18 years.
Fish Keeping Difficulty
Eels are generally suggested for an aquarist with some experience rather than the beginner fish keeper. This eel can be a bit sensitive to change and usually takes awhile to get over its shyness. The first few weeks can be extremely difficult getting them to eat. They do require extremely pristine water. They have very small scales protecting their body so are prone to fungus and parasites and very sensitive to medications. These fish respond poorly to copper based medications, so these should be avoided. If cared for properly, these eels get fairly large and can live for a long time.
Aquarium Hardiness: Moderately hardy
Aquarist Experience Level: Intermediate
Foods and Feeding
The Half-banded Spiny Eels are carnivores. 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. Some spiny eels can be trained to eat freeze dried brine shrimp or bloodworms but this is not something that can be counted on. They will also eat small fishes so make sure their tank mates are too large to be able to fit into their mouths.
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.
Diet Type: Carnivore
Flake Food: No
Tablet / Pellet: Occasionally - Not all specimens will accept processed foods.
Live foods (fishes, shrimps, worms): Some of Diet
Meaty Food: All of Diet
Feeding Frequency: Weekly - Eels only need to be fed a couple of times a week, and sometimes will eat even less.
Aquarium Care
The most important thing for these eels is that they always have clean and well-oxygenated water. Frequent water changes of about 30% a week are needed for this eel. With your weekly water change make sure to vacuum the gravel to remove all excess food and waster. but It's best not to remove any bio film on rocks and decor. A magnet algae cleaner normally does a great job in keeping the viewing pane clear.
It is also helps to add efficient bottom cleaning tank mates to keep the bottom free from decaying foods in between cleanings. Be careful however, to add bottom cleaners after your eel is adjusted to its tank and is eating.
Water Changes: Weekly - Water changes of about 30% weekly.
Aquarium Setup
Peacock Eels will spend most of their time on the bottom of the aquarium. Small specimens can be kept in a tank that is about 24 inches long and about 20 gallons. Larger specimens will need a bigger area, tanks that are 36 inches in length and about 35 gallons and up will suit an adult.
They do best in a soft to medium-hard water with good movement that provides plenty of oxygenation. These fish require pristine water. The tank water should turnover at least 10-15 times per hour. An undergravel filter is a great choice for these fish as it creates high oxygen through out the tank as well as reducing the waste. A canister filter or powerheads and airstones can be introduced to achieve proper flow and oxygenation. Provide a tight fitting lid as spiny eels are escape artists.
They like a dimly lit aquarium or one with floating plants to help subdue the light. If their tank has a sand or fine gravel substrate, they may burrow into it. Make sure they have plenty of hiding places so they will feel secure in their new home. Provide other decor such as rocks, caves, and roots to give it some dark areas to retreat. PCV tubing also makes great caves for long spiny eels. Be sure to place heavy decor firmly on the bottom. These fish are not actively destructive, but because of their size and burrowing nature, they can dislodge anything that gets in their way, including plants. Multiple hiding places need to be made for the eel to feel safe in the tank.
Minimum Tank Size: 35 gal (132 L)
Suitable for Nano Tank: No
Substrate Type: Sand - Substrate should be soft and smooth so the Peacock Eel can burrow without injury.
Lighting Needs: Low - subdued lighting - In moderately lit tanks a lot of shaded hiding places are needed. Providing floating plants will also help subdue the light.
Temperature: 73.0 to 82.0° F (22.8 to 27.8° C)
Range ph: 6.0-8.0
Hardness Range: 6 - 25 dGH
Brackish: No
Water Movement: Moderate
Water Region: Bottom - Peacock Eels will spend most of their time on the bottom of the aquarium.
Social Behaviors
They are a nocturnal species but are generally peaceful and shy. They mostly ignore other tankmates. They can be kept in a community tank with a wide variety of larger fish. Unlike many of the spiny eels, this species will also get along well with others of its own kind as long as they are of a similar size.
These eels are very shy when first introduced to a new tank and are known to be too shy to eat at times. It is wise not to have tank mates like catfish or loaches, at least not until your spiny eel is settled in. These fish will simply take any food offered too quickly and the eel will not get comfortable enough to feed freely.
Venomous: No
Temperament: Peaceful - This fish is shy but fairly agreeable.
Compatible with:
Same species - conspecifics: Yes - They can be kept with their own kind as long as they are of similiar size.
Peaceful fish (): Monitor - Safe as long as they are large enough not to fit in the eels mouth.
Semi-Aggressive (): Safe
Aggressive (): Threat - May injure the eel.
Large Semi-Aggressive (): Threat
Large Aggressive, Predatory (): Threat
Slow Swimmers & Eaters (): Monitor
Shrimps, Crabs, Snails: May be aggressive
Plants: Monitor - These eels like to burrow and will regularly uproot the plants.
Sex: Sexual differences
Sexual differences are unknown and it is almost impossible to identify the sexes, though a mature female may be more full bodied.
Breeding / Reproduction
The Peacock Eel has not been bred in captivity. Only a few spiny eels have been bred in the aquarium, possibly because they are generally kept singly rather than in a group where a male and female can find each other. Though it is not documented what makes them spawn, trying to emulate the bounty of the flood season can help stimulate breeding behavior. Feed more and higher quality food than you normally would and providing an influx of clean water. Their courtship lasts for several hours, where they chase each other and swim in circles.
The eggs are deposited among floating plants. They are sticky so will adhere to the plants and then hatch in 3 to 4 days. The fry becoming free swimming a few more days after that and should be fed nauplii. The fry are something of a challenge to raise as they are susceptible to fungal infections. Regular water changes and the use of an antifungal water treatment can help.
Ease of Breeding: Unknown - This fish has not been bred in the home aqarium, however it is presumed that their breeding process is similar to other Spiny Eels.
Fish Diseases
Eels are prone to diseases caused by parasites and fungus, so take caution when introducing these fish to an established tank. Eels are also very sensitive to medications used to treat many diseases; a separate hospital tank is needed. Very low water temperatures and condition changes can also cause stress to this fish which makes them even more prone to disease. Take great care when netting eels as they have very delicate skin and scrapes can make them prone to bacterial and fungal infections.
The most common disease that an eel is susceptible to is Ich. Ich is short for Ichthyophthirius, also known as "white spot disease". It is a parasite that can attack nearly all aquarium fishes, but you'll find that Eels are often the first to be attacked. Take great care in treating ick as eels are very sensitive to the medications used to treat it. Often the dose is half of what is normally used. If nervous or unsure about medications, use Reef safe medications.
An outbreak of disease can often be limited to just one or a few fishes if you deal with it at an early stage. When keeping these sensitive types of fish, it is common to catch deteriorating water conditions and disease before other fish are affected. The best way to proactively prevent disease is to give your Peacock Eel the proper environment and give them a well balanced diet. The closer to their natural habitat the less stress the fish will have, making them healthier and happy. A stressed fish will is more likely to acquire disease.
Anything you add to your tank can bring disease to your tank. Not only other fish but plants, substrate, and decorations can harbor bacteria. Take great care and make sure to properly clean or quarantine anything that you add to an established tank so not to upset the balance. It is recommended to read up on the common tank diseases. Knowing the signs and catching and treating them early makes a huge difference. For information about freshwater fish diseases and illnesses, see Aquarium Fish Diseases and Treatments.
Availability
The Peacock Eel is commonly available at pet stores and online, and is reasonably priced.
Dr. Herbert R. Axelrod, Dr. Warren E Burgess, Dr. Cliff W. Emmens, Neal Pronek, Jerry G. Walls, Ray Hunziker, Dr. Axelrod's Mini-Atlas of Aquarium Fishes, Mini- Edition, T.F.H. Publications, Inc., 1987
Sara - 2019-03-16 I’ve had two of these funky little noodles in my 75 gal community for a few months now, and both are doing great. They’re both about the same size and they came from the same store, so I haven’t seen any squabbles between them at all. My biggest recommendation if you own one of these is to try and train it to eat out of your hand. One of mine learned very quickly and now gets very excited whenever my hand goes in the tank. It doesn’t matter if I have food or not; he’ll weave between my fingers in his hunt for bloodworms. Their snouts are pretty soft, so he doesn’t poke hard enough to hurt. It makes water changes a lot more interesting.
Anthony - 2019-03-09 I just purchased a peacock you'll last week and a few days later I woke up to the dog at 3 a.m. making a bunch of ruckus and there was my eel in front of the heater dried out like a worm on the sidewalk and when I grabbed it it twitched so I put it in the water in about an hour later it got all soggy again and started swimming around it's been fine ever since I asked to me it was out of the water for about 5 hours
Kirsten - 2009-04-28 I have had a striped peacock eel for a few months now and absolutely love him, living in a 29 gallon with platys, tetras, and a loach. He disappeared one morning and thinking he had just buried himself under the gravel, I continued with my plan to clean my Whisper filter (you know - the external waterfall type filter) Taking it to the sink, I change out the filter bags and carbon and dumped the excess water down the drain to scrub the inside and too late, I watched my eel slide out of the filter - very much alive- and right into the garbage disposal. I was about to give him up for lost (i couldn't figure out how to open the pipes to try to save him in the u-part of the pipe), but before I did I shined the flashlight down the drain one last time and there he was sitting on the platform slithering around out of water and between the blades. After a 1/2 hour trying, I finally fished him out with a twisted up fish net and a spoon. I dumped him in a spare tub of aquarium water to "rinse" off the gunk he accumulated in the drain and quickly placed him back in the tank. 5 days later he is still alive and well, eating as usual and none the worse for wear - only a small scratch that is healing well. I never would have expected him to swim upstream/uphill AND out of the tank into my filter, not to mention surviving a 1/2 hour out of water and the stress of being chased around with implements to save his life. I thought for sure he was a goner, but he is hardier than I thought!
Jeff - 2010-02-23 Actually it has been recorded that many varieties of eel can in fact survive out of water fo periods of time and even travel over land; usually in order to travel to mating grounds when full grown.
Andrew - 2010-08-06 This story is pretty amazing. Nice job on the rescue. I have two of these guys myself (similar tank setup), and they can be nefarious little buggers. All in all, great species of eel for any community setup in my opinion. I hope I never have to fish one out of a garbage disposal though:)
Emily J. Hicks - 2019-01-23 I just had this happen to me except he was hiding in a decoration I had pulled out of the tank. I thought I got everyone out, but when I turned it over in the sink he slid out and down the drain. I got him out though after battling with him (he was slippery!) I’m hoping he will be ok, but for now he is extremely stressed and I am worried for him. Thanks for sharing. It gives me hope for my little guy!
Bryce - 2018-06-11 I have a question im thinking about getting one of these, what are some other freshwater exotic fish for 30 gal
Amanda - 2018-09-24 Peacock eels get pretty big and even though it may not seem like they swim a lot because you don't see them during the day they are very active creatures at night so a 30 gallon would not let a peacock eel live his full life.
rashela - 2012-08-07 Does anyone know of any where in perth I could buy some spiny faced eels plz
Drobin - 2012-08-27 You might want to try Petsmart. I just purchased two beautiful peacock eels 5 days ago and I am very impressed! They are simply wonderful to watch and very active.