Peacock eel?

Byron said:

The species Macrognathus siamensis is not in SF, but another species M. zebrinus in the genus is, and I suspect diet would be similar:

In nature, it preys on small fish and aquatic invertebrates but aquarium specimens readily accept dead alternatives. Prawn, cockle, mussel, earthworms and bloodworms can all be offered. Dried foods are rarely accepted. Like others in the genus, it’s quite a shy fish and you may have to add food after lights out for a while until it becomes accustomed to its surroundings.​

A caution though, on bloodworms--these are not especially wholesome or nutritious so I would wean any fish off these ASAP. Back in the 1980's one of my prime frozen foods was squid, not sure if this is still available (in packages as fish food, similar to brine shrimp, bloodworms, etc). Also used frozen plankton.

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Byron said:

The species Macrognathus siamensis is not in SF, but another species M. zebrinus in the genus is, and I suspect diet would be similar:

In nature, it preys on small fish and aquatic invertebrates but aquarium specimens readily accept dead alternatives. Prawn, cockle, mussel, earthworms and bloodworms can all be offered. Dried foods are rarely accepted. Like others in the genus, it’s quite a shy fish and you may have to add food after lights out for a while until it becomes accustomed to its surroundings.​

A caution though, on bloodworms--these are not especially wholesome or nutritious so I would wean any fish off these ASAP. Back in the 1980's one of my prime frozen foods was squid, not sure if this is still available (in packages as fish food, similar to brine shrimp, bloodworms, etc). Also used frozen plankton.

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Bio-Pure Frozen Squid - Hikari

Due to customs restrictions, we are unable to ship this product to Canada, Alaska, Hawaii, or any other US Territories at this time. Squid sticks or Squid chunks are perfect for any marine fish. Feed squid as a treat for your reef tank and you will see a frenzy over the delicious, bite size...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

Byron said:

The species Macrognathus siamensis is not in SF, but another species M. zebrinus in the genus is, and I suspect diet would be similar:

In nature, it preys on small fish and aquatic invertebrates but aquarium specimens readily accept dead alternatives. Prawn, cockle, mussel, earthworms and bloodworms can all be offered. Dried foods are rarely accepted. Like others in the genus, it’s quite a shy fish and you may have to add food after lights out for a while until it becomes accustomed to its surroundings.​

A caution though, on bloodworms--these are not especially wholesome or nutritious so I would wean any fish off these ASAP. Back in the 1980's one of my prime frozen foods was squid, not sure if this is still available (in packages as fish food, similar to brine shrimp, bloodworms, etc). Also used frozen plankton.

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ella777 said:

I found some frozen options, do any of these seem good?

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Byron said:

Soe of these are OK. Do not feed beef heart--there was a day long ago when this was a discus staple, and I see two or three beef heart foods here for discus--not good. Animal matter generally should always be avoided. Just so this is clear, beef heart is obviously from a cow, this is what we mean by animal meats; compared to shrimp, squid, whole fish, etc which are fish or crustacean based. Worms are fine but very sparingly. Insects and insect larvae is probably the #1 food for fish (carnivores and omnivores).

The squid by the way is not whole squid so no issues there.

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ella777 said:

So which ones would they be? Do I have to feed him live food or can I stick to frozen food? I've got a whole 'packet' of frozen bloodworms so I definitely have to feed him them. Maybe frozen brine shrimp too? Would any others be good from that list? Also how often should I feed him these foods, and should I alternate them? Example: brine shrimp one day, 3 days later, bloodworms, 3 days later, something else etc. If I feed him brine shrimp, will he get a taste for shrimp and start attacking my pet shrimp? They are 2 inch Amano shrimp and hes never gone for them before.

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Slaphppy7 said:

What is the tank size, and other tank inhabitants, with this fish?

Just skimmed over the thread, may have missed this info

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Essjay said:

You can grow your own brine shrimp - I've never succeeded in growing them from eggs but other members do this for their fish.

Do you have fishmonger near you? There's one of this dying breed in our town and he sells squid (you could cut it up into meal sized portions and freeze it) along with a freezer full of various types of shellfish. Or a Morrisons which still has a fish counter?

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Essjay said:

Even Amazon sells brine shrimp hatcheries
https://www.amazon.co.uk/brine-shrimp-hatchery/s?k=brine+shrimp+hatchery&tag=

I have never heard of them breeding in freshwater tanks as they are grown in salty water - maybe not full strength sea water but certainly brackish.


How do you feel about feeding it shellfish? Those can be bought frozen for human consumption and pieces cut off to feed to the eel.


A lot of fish shops sell bags of live food, mainly daphnia and bloodworm, though the quality can be suspect. I've always used frozen live food as it's safer. Maidenhead Aquatics branches usually have a freezer full of various types.

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GaryE said:

I don' know what the hatchery you bought is like, but the ones I used are emptied and cleaned after every hatchout - every 48 hours.

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