Peacock Eel

Distribution:
   The Peacock Eel was described by Günther in 1861. They are found in Asia: Mekong, Chao Phraya, Maeklong, Peninsular and Southeast Thailand. 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.

Status:
   The species is not listed on the IUCN Red List.

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. There can be some color and pattern variations depending upon it place of origination, but it 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.

Size - Weight:
   These fish can grow to about 11.8 inches (30 cm) in length.

Care and feeding:
   The Peacock Eels are carnivores. 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.
   Provide a tank with a sand or fine gravel substrate as they will burrow into it. Also make sure they have plenty of hiding places among roots, rocks, or other decor so they will feel secure in their new home. Floating plant cover is great but plants buried in the substrate may get uprooted.
   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. Provide a tight fitting lid as spiny eels are escape artists. These fish respond poorly to copper based medications, so these should be avoided.

Water Region: Top, Middle, Bottom:
   Peacock Eels will spend most of their time on the bottom of the aquarium.

Acceptable Water Conditions:
   Temp: 73 - 82° F (23 - 28° C)
   Hardness: 6 - 25 dGH
   pH: 6.0 - 8.0

Social Behaviors:
   A nocturnal species, they 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.

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.

Availability:
   The Peacock Eel is commonly available and reasonably priced.

Author: Clarice Brough, CFS