Lesser Spiny Eel (Macrognathus aculeatus)

The Spiny Eel is a masters of camouflage and personality. Native to the slow-moving rivers and wetlands of Southeast Asia (including Sumatra and Kalimantan), it features an elongated, eel-like body with a series of small, harmless spines along its back. Its most charming feature is its long, sensitive, trunk-like snout, which it uses to "sniff out" food hidden in the substrate.

Key Information

• Common Name: Lesser Spiny Eel, Peacock Eel (often confused with M. siamensis)

• Scientific Name: Macrognathus aculeatus

• Origin: Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand)

• Max Size: 20–25 cm (Relatively small for a spiny eel)

• Lifespan: 8–10 years

• Temperament: Peaceful but predatory toward very small fish/shrimp

• Diet: Carnivore – They can be "picky" eaters. They prefer live or frozen bloodworms, tubifex, and brine shrimp. They rarely accept dry flakes or pellets.

• Care Level: Moderate (Due to specific feeding and substrate needs)

Water Parameters

Parameter	Value
Temperature:	23–28°C
pH:	6.5–7.5
Hardness:	5–15 dGH
Minimum Tank Size:	115L+ (30 Gallons+)

Behaviour & Tank Compatibility

Spiny Eels are shy, nocturnal bottom-dwellers. They spend much of the day buried in the sand with only their eyes and snout visible.

They are peaceful toward fish they cannot swallow. Ideal tank mates include Gouramis, Rasboras, Rainbowfish, and Neon Blue Acaras.

Warning: They will eat tiny tank mates like Chili Rasboras or Neocaridina Shrimp if they can catch them at night.

Ideal Tank Setup

• Soft Sand Substrate: Non-negotiable. Because they love to bury themselves, sharp gravel will scratch their skin and lead to bacterial infections. A deep bed of fine sand is essential.

• Hiding Places: Provide PVC pipes, hollow driftwood, or rock caves. They like to feel "squeezed" into tight, dark spaces.

• Secure Lid: Absolute Necessity. Spiny Eels are the ultimate "escape artists." They can squeeze through the smallest gaps (near filter pipes or wires). If there is a hole, they will find it.

• Dim Lighting: They are much more active in low-light conditions. Use floating plants to create shaded areas.

• Target Feeding: Since they are shy and slow to find food, you may need to use long tweezers or a "feeding pipe" to deliver bloodworms directly to their snout to ensure they eat before the faster fish get to it.