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Peacock eel
Macrognathus siamensis
© FishBase (CC BY-NC)The Peacock eel (Macrognathus siamensis) is a slender, spotted freshwater eel native to Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam. It frequents slow‑moving rivers, rice paddies, and floodplain wetlands, and is prized by local anglers for its delicate, mildly sweet flesh.
Fight
Taste
Basic Information
Family
Mastacembelidae
Max Size
30 cm
Habitat
freshwater
Climate
tropical
Best Season
May–October (rainy season when water levels rise)
Best Time
Nighttime (dusk to dawn) when the eels are most active
Distribution
No distribution map available
Fishing Tips for Peacock eel
- Fish from the riverbank or a small boat using a light float rig placed near submerged vegetation
- Use live earthworms, small shrimp or soft plastic grubs as bait to entice the nocturnal eel
- Fish during the first few hours after sunset or before sunrise for peak activity
- Keep the line slack until a bite is felt, then slowly lift the rod to let the eel take the bait before setting the hook
Market Prices
Recommended Fishing Equipment for Peacock eel
Recommended Equipment
RodLight spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line2‑6 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSoft plastic worms or small jig heads; 'N/A' if using live bait
TechniqueNight float or bottom rig with slip sinker, slow retrieve or stationary presentation
Best bait: Live earthworms, small shrimp, or soft plastic grubs