Peacock Goby

Tateurndina ocellicauda is one of the most beloved nano gobies in the aquarium hobby and for excellent reason: males are breathtakingly beautiful, displaying an intense electric-blue body covered in iridescent scales, vivid red and orange banding on all fins, and a prominent peacock-eye ocellus on the caudal peduncle. Females are less intensely coloured but still attractive, with a rounder belly and a distinctive dark edge on the dorsal fin. Native to slow-moving, heavily vegetated streams and swampy habitats of Papua New Guinea's Fly River system, it thrives in warm, soft to moderately hard water. It is a dedicated cave spawner, with the male guarding the egg clutch and fanning the eggs. Fry are relatively easy to raise on micro-foods and are regularly bred in captivity. A highly recommended species for any planted nano or community aquarium.

Water: 24–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 4–15, KH 2–10; prefers soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water. Tank: 40 L minimum; well-planted with caves (coconut shell, small terracotta pots, PVC pipe); gentle flow. Feeding: Carnivore; frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, small pellets; feeds readily at any level. Breeding: Reliable cave spawner; male guards eggs and fry; raise fry on baby brine shrimp and micro-worms. Compatibility: Peaceful; excellent with small tetras, rasboras, livebearers, and dwarf shrimp (adults).