Peacock Eel Per Pair Pair

Description

Peacock Eel – A Graceful and Unique Addition to Your Aquarium

The peacock eel (Macrognathus siamensis) is a fascinating freshwater fish known for its elongated, slender body and distinct eye-like patterns on its tail, resembling a peacock’s feathers. Native to Southeast Asia, this eel brings an exotic charm to any aquarium with its smooth, snake-like movements and calm demeanor. Its unique appearance and relatively peaceful nature make it a popular choice among aquarists seeking something different for their community tanks.

Behavior and Personality

Peacock eels are known for their shy, nocturnal behavior, often hiding during the day and becoming more active in low-light conditions or at night. They enjoy burrowing into soft substrates and finding refuge in caves or beneath driftwood. Though generally peaceful, they may eat smaller tank mates if given the opportunity, so it’s essential to choose suitable companions. These eels are also curious by nature, occasionally interacting with their environment or tank mates.

Tank Setup Requirements

Creating the right environment is crucial for the well-being of peacock eels. Below are recommendations to help them thrive:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 40 to 55 gallons is recommended, as these eels can grow up to 12-15 inches.
• Substrate: Soft sand or fine gravel allows them to burrow comfortably.
• Décor: Provide plenty of hiding spots with rocks, driftwood, and PVC pipes to mimic their natural habitat.
• Water Conditions: Maintain a temperature between 24-28°C (75-82°F) with a pH of 6.5 to 7.5.
• Filtration: Moderate to strong filtration is essential to keep water quality high, but avoid strong currents.
• Lighting: Low to moderate lighting is ideal, as peacock eels prefer dim environments.

Diet and Feeding

Peacock eels are carnivorous and primarily enjoy live or frozen foods. Their diet should include:

• Bloodworms
• Tubifex worms
• Brine shrimp
• Small crustaceans
  They may initially reject pellets or flakes, but with time and patience, they can adapt to a varied diet. Feed them during the evening or night when they are most active.

Compatibility and Tank Mates

While peacock eels are relatively peaceful, they have predatory instincts toward very small fish. Ideal tank mates include:

• Gouramis
• Loaches
• Plecos
• Large tetras
• Other non-aggressive, medium-sized fish

Avoid keeping them with aggressive fish or very small species like guppies and neon tetras. Additionally, because they enjoy burrowing, ensure that plants are securely rooted to prevent uprooting.

Care and Maintenance

• Water Quality: Regular water changes are essential to maintain good water quality.
• Tank Lid: Peacock eels are known escape artists, so ensure the tank is securely covered to prevent accidents.
• Health Watch: Like other fish, they are susceptible to parasitic infections and fungal diseases. Regular monitoring and quarantine of new fish can prevent health issues.

Why Choose a Peacock Eel?

• Unique Appearance: Its slender body and striking eye spots make it stand out in any aquarium.
• Peaceful Nature: A good addition to most community tanks with appropriately sized fish.
• Fascinating Behavior: Watching this shy, nocturnal fish emerge and explore is a rewarding experience.
• Low-Maintenance: While they require proper care, peacock eels are relatively easy to maintain for experienced fish keepers.

Get Your Peacock Eel Today!

Introduce the exotic beauty of a peacock eel to your aquarium! Visit the best aquarium shop in Kukatpally to explore our healthy collection of aquatic pets and accessories. Our team will provide the guidance you need to create the perfect setup for your eel. Bring home this graceful swimmer and add a touch of elegance to your aquatic world today!