Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda)

Tateurndina ocellicauda is native to slow-moving rivers, streams, and ponds in Papua New Guinea — primarily found in the Fly River system and adjacent drainages. Despite being classified as a sleeper goby (family Eleotridae), it differs significantly from most eleotrid fish in its brilliant coloration, peaceful temperament, and enthusiastic breeding behavior in captivity.

Males are spectacularly colored: the body displays alternating bands of vivid iridescent blue-green and red-pink, with yellow-gold highlights on the fins and a distinctive black ocellus (eye-spot) at the upper base of the caudal fin. The overall effect in well-conditioned males under good lighting is extraordinary — few small freshwater fish rival the Peacock Gudgeon in color intensity. Females are less vivid but still attractively patterned, typically developing a yellow edge on the ventral fin when gravid.

Peacock Gudgeons are cave spawners — females deposit eggs inside small caves, tubes, or hollow structures, and the male guards and fans the eggs until hatching. Biparental care continues through the fry stage. They breed readily in the aquarium when provided with appropriate spawning caves.

Reaching only 7–8 cm, Peacock Gudgeons are ideally sized for planted community aquariums. They are entirely peaceful toward fish too large to be consumed and can coexist with most small community species.

Peacock Gudgeons prefer soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water: pH 6.5–7.5, hardness 5–12 dGH, and temperatures 22–28°C. They are adaptable within this range and reasonably tolerant of stable water conditions outside this range, but regular water changes maintain best health and coloration.

A minimum 60-liter planted aquarium suits a pair or small group. Provide small caves (PVC tubes, ceramic caves, coconut shells with small openings), driftwood, dense plantings, and a dark substrate that enhances the vivid coloration. Gentle to moderate current suits them.

Feed a varied, protein-rich diet: quality micro-pellets, live or frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, small bloodworms, and cyclops. They are enthusiastic feeders that accept most appropriately sized foods. Feed 2–3 times daily.

Peacock Gudgeons are peaceful with all species too large to be swallowed. Compatible tankmates include small tetras, rasboras, corydoras, small catfish, and other peaceful species. Avoid housing with small shrimp (may be eaten) or very aggressive species.

Pairs or trios (1 male, 2 females) can be kept together. Multiple males may display to each other but rarely fight. Regular water changes of 25–30% weekly promote health and breeding activity.