Peacock eel
📖 Overview
Adults are found at bottom depths in slow-moving or standing waters often buried in the silt, sand, or fine gravel with only a portion of the head protruding from the bottom . They enter flooded forest . Emerges at dusk to forage for food. Foof consists of benthic insect larvae, crustaceans, and worms . Migratory behaviour is undetermined . Marketed fresh and often seen in the aquarium trade .
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal spines (total): 13 - 19; Dorsal soft rays (total): 53; Anal soft rays: 49; Vertebrae: 75. Distinguishable by its dorsal spine count of 13-19 and a series of 3-6 conspicuous ocelli along the base of the soft dorsal fin . The ocelli along the base of the dorsal fin are much larger than those in M. aral and the dorsal and caudal fins lack the fine striations seen in M. aral and M. meklongensis . Dorsal, caudal and anal fins not fused .: eel-like.
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Peacock eel is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
Diet information for Peacock eel is currently being compiled.
🥚 Reproduction
Reproduction data for Peacock eel is currently being compiled.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; benthopelagic. Tropical Southeast Thailand river systems (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Peacock eel is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Peacock eel is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Peacock eel has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Peacock Eel · Spinning Eel · Spotfin Spiny Eel · Spotted Spiny Eel |
| 🌍CES | hrotočelec siamský |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Påfuglesnabelål |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Макрогнатус сиамский |
| 🌍THA | ปลาหลด · ปลาหลดจุด |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mastacembelus siamensis | Günther | 1861 | Synonym |
| Rhynchobdella aculeata siamensis | Günther | 1861 | Synonym |
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 2 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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