Scientific name Macrognathus | Rank Genus | |
 | ||
Lower classifications Lesser spiny eel, Macrognathus siamensis | ||
Macrognathus is a genus of eel-like fish of the family Mastacembelidae of the order Synbranchiformes.
Contents
- Peacock eel spiny eel care information and advice macrognathus siamensis
- Appearance and anatomy
- In the aquarium
- Species
- References
These fish are distributed throughout most of South and Southeast Asia. Macrognathus species feed on small aquatic insect larvae as well as oligochaetes.
Peacock eel spiny eel care information and advice macrognathus siamensis
Appearance and anatomy
Most Macrognathus species attain 20–25 cm (8–10 in) in length, but a few surpass this size, with the largest being M. aral at up to 63.5 cm (25 in).
Macrognathus are mostly similar to Mastacembelus. However, they differ in a more modified rostrum, which may be slightly to significantly larger and longer than those found in Mastacembelus. This serves not only to find food but also to help gather food.
In the aquarium
A number of species of this genus are popular aquarium fish. These include the lesser spiny eel, Macrognathus aculeatus, the spotfinned spiny eel, Macrognathus siamensis, as well as others.
Species
There are currently 24 recognized species in this genus:
