The Indian Peacock Eel, or Macrognathus aral, is an elongated, predatory freshwater fish native to India and surrounding countries that has a single yellow stripe along its body and grows up to 24 inches. In contrast, the common Peacock Eel (Macrognathus siamensis) is smaller (up to 12 inches) and found in Southeast Asia, featuring 4-5 dark spots along its dorsal fin. Both species have an eel-like body, are nocturnal, and are considered "spiny eels" due to a row of small spines along their backs.
Indian Peacock Eel (Macrognathus aral)
Appearance: Elongated body with a single, thin yellow stripe running from the snout to the tail, and a dark brown back.
Size: Up to 24 inches.
Native Range: Freshwater and brackish waters of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and surrounding areas.
Diet: Carnivorous, preying on insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
Temperament: Generally peaceful towards tankmates large enough to not be considered prey.
Common Peacock Eel (Macrognathus siamensis)
Appearance: Elongated body with 4-5 dark "eye" spots on the dorsal fin and a light yellow stripe along the body.
Size: Up to 12 inches.
Native Range: Slow-moving rivers and streams in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Sumatra.
Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on crustaceans, insect larvae, and worms.
Temperament: Peaceful but predatory towards small fish and invertebrates.
The Indian Peacock Eel, or Macrognathus aral, is an elongated, predatory freshwater fish native to India and surrounding countries that has a single yellow stripe along its body and grows up to 24 inches. In contrast, the common Peacock Eel (Macrognathus siamensis) is smaller (up to 12 inches) and found in Southeast Asia, featuring 4-5 dark spots along its dorsal fin. Both species have an eel-like body, are nocturnal, and are considered "spiny eels" due to a row of small spines along their backs.
Indian Peacock Eel (Macrognathus aral)
Appearance: Elongated body with a single, thin yellow stripe running from the snout to the tail, and a dark brown back.
Size: Up to 24 inches.
Native Range: Freshwater and brackish waters of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and surrounding areas.
Diet: Carnivorous, preying on insects, crustaceans, and small fish.
Temperament: Generally peaceful towards tankmates large enough to not be considered prey.
Common Peacock Eel (Macrognathus siamensis)
Appearance: Elongated body with 4-5 dark "eye" spots on the dorsal fin and a light yellow stripe along the body.
Size: Up to 12 inches.
Native Range: Slow-moving rivers and streams in Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Sumatra.
Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on crustaceans, insect larvae, and worms.
Temperament: Peaceful but predatory towards small fish and invertebrates.
