Peacock Gudgeon Gold

The Peacock Gudgeon Gold is a captive-developed colour variant of Tateurndina ocellicauda in which selective breeding has enhanced and concentrated the warm yellow-gold base colouration present in some wild-type females and subdominant males, suppressing the electric-blue pigmentation seen in typical males. The result is a fish with a rich golden-yellow to amber body, vivid red and orange fin banding, and a retained caudal peduncle ocellus that appears as a gold-ringed dark eye-spot. This morph is popular in the nano aquarium hobby as it provides a colour contrast alternative to the standard form while retaining identical care requirements and temperament. Males remain larger and more intensely coloured than females. Cave-spawning occurs readily and fry are straightforward to rear. An excellent nano fish for warm planted aquariums.

Water: 24–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 4–15, KH 2–10; soft to moderately hard; gentle filtration with minimal flow. Tank: 40 L minimum; well-planted with small caves (coconut halves, PVC pipes, terracotta pots); gentle water movement. Feeding: Carnivore; frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, and quality nano pellets; enthusiastic feeder. Breeding: Cave spawner; male guards eggs; straightforward to breed; fry raised on baby brine shrimp. Compatibility: Peaceful; excellent with small tetras, rasboras, ember tetras, and dwarf shrimp (adults only).