The scientific name of this fish species is Macrognathus meklongensis. This species was first described by Tyson R. Roberts in 1986. In Dutch, this fish species is often referred to as the Meklong Spiny Eel. The genus name Macrognathus comes from Ancient Greek, meaning “with large jaws”, while the species name meklongensis refers to the origin of the species in the Mae Klong River (also spelled Meklong).
Description
The Meklong Spiny Eel has a slender, elongated body typical of spiny eels. The fish can reach a maximum length of about 18 centimeters. The color of the head and flank varies, but the base color is a beautiful golden bronze. The fins are often yellow-red when the fish is feeling well, and there are small ocelli (eye spots) under the dorsal fin.
There are no significant physical differences between males and females, but males can be slightly smaller. Behaviorally they are peaceful and often live in groups or as a pair. They are shy and like to hide in shelters, but often become visible after the acclimatization phase.
The life expectancy of this species in the wild is unknown, but in a well maintained aquarium they can live for several years.
Biotope
In the wild, Macrognathus meklongensis occurs in Thailand, specifically in the Mae Klong River area. This species lives mainly in freshwater environments, such as rivers and streams, and can be found in the Meklong River and its tributaries.
Their natural habitat consists of areas with many hiding places, such as rocks and plants. The bottom is often covered with sand or fine gravel, which helps them to hide. They have few natural predators, as they mainly feed on small invertebrates and are not considered predators.
This species lives in a tropical climate, where seasonal flooding can occur, which affects their habitat.
Diet
In the wild, the Meklong Spiny Eel feeds primarily on small invertebrates such as mosquito larvae and bloodworms. In an aquarium, they can also be fed frozen food and live daphnia. It is advisable not to give them large or hard food, as this can disrupt their digestion.
The Aquarium
To care for Macrognathus meklongensis, it is recommended to have an aquarium that is at least 120 centimeters long. If you plan to keep multiple pairs, a larger aquarium of 180 centimeters or more is advised. The setup should include plenty of hiding spots, such as rocks and plants, and a fine sand or gravel substrate is ideal.
The ideal water conditions for this species include a temperature range of 22 to 28°C and a pH level between 6.5 and 7.5. This species can coexist with other peaceful fish, such as small loaches, tetras, and various types of spiny eels. However, it is best to avoid keeping them with larger or aggressive species.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
Breeding Macrognathus meklongensis should occur in a specialized breeding aquarium with a minimum capacity of 100 liters. This aquarium needs to be well-filtered and equipped with soft lighting. The water quality is crucial, with a temperature range of 24-26°C. To condition the fish for breeding, provide them with a diet of live and frozen food. It is recommended to temporarily separate the males and females before introducing them together for breeding.
The spawn
During spawning, the fish’s colors can become more intense. Courtship can occur in the evening, and eggs are often laid in hiding places or at the bottom of the aquarium. The species lays about 100-200 eggs, which are small and light in color.
Raising the fry
The eggs usually hatch after 3-5 days. The fry begin to swim freely within a week. There is no parental care, but the fry can remain near the parents. Their first food consists of very fine foods, such as liquid or powdered food, and the water must be changed regularly to keep the quality high. About 50% of the fry survive the first few weeks.
Particularities
A peculiarity of Macrognathus meklongensis is that this species can escape very well from aquariums, so it is important to cover the aquarium well. In addition, they are very interesting to observe, especially when they bend their body in an S-shape to catch food from the water column.
Conclusion
The Meklong Spiny Eel is a fascinating species that is relatively easy to keep for both beginners and advanced aquarists. Their peaceful nature and unique behavior make them an attractive choice for a community tank. However, paying attention to their hiding places and water quality is important to ensure a healthy environment.
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
Nonn Panitvong – Siamensis.org
