Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda)

Common Name

Peacock Gudgeon
Tateurndina ocellicauda

A jewel from Papua New Guinea with pastel blues, golden wash, and red spotting that looks hand-painted. Often sold as a “peacock goby,” it is a true gudgeon that stays small, shows beautifully in planted aquariums, and breeds readily with the right caves and care.

Origin and Habitat

Endemic to southeastern Papua New Guinea (Papuan Peninsula and nearby lowlands). Found in clear, slow- to moderately-flowing creeks, backwaters, and vegetated river margins. Substrates are sand, fine gravel, and leaf litter with submerged roots and overhanging grasses. Water is well-oxygenated, low to moderate hardness, and typically pH 6.0–7.5.

Temperature and Water Conditions

• Temperature: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
• pH: ~6.0–7.5 in nature; keep stable
• Hardness: low to moderate

Stable, clean, oxygen-rich water is far more important than exact parameters. Use a tight-fitting lid — they can jump during courtship and feeding.

Appearance and Size

Pearly blue body with golden cast and dense red spotting, yellow face blush, and a dark ocellus (eyespot) on the caudal peduncle. Males are larger, deeper-bodied, develop a squared forehead (sometimes a small nuchal hump), and have extended dorsal/anal fin rays and stronger colors. Breeding females show a bright yellow belly.

• Adult size: 6–7.5 cm TL (2.4–3.0 inches)

Diet in the Wild

Micro-predator feeding on insect larvae, small crustaceans, micro worms, and zooplankton among leaves and roots.

Feeding in Captivity

• Quality micro pellets and flakes
• Regular live/frozen: baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, small blackworms
• Occasional carotenoid-rich foods to intensify yellows and reds

Feed 2–3 modest portions daily.

Behavior and Tank Setup

Peaceful and confident with cover. Keep as pairs or harems (1 male + 2–3 females).

• Minimum footprint: 60 × 30 cm (24 × 12 in) for a pair; larger for colonies
• Provide multiple snug caves (half coconuts, small clay pots, PVC elbows, cave tubes)
• Add fine plants, driftwood, leaf litter
• Gentle but efficient filtration with strong oxygenation

Good tankmates: small rasboras, pencilfish, peaceful rainbowfish (e.g., Pseudomugil), small Corydoras, and shrimp in well-structured tanks. Avoid fin-nippers.

Breeding

Classic cave spawner — male guards and fans the eggs.

• Condition with frequent live foods
• Provide many caves of different orientations
• Eggs hatch in 5–8 days at ~26 °C (79 °F)
• Fry free-swimming shortly after

For highest survival, move the cave (with guarding male) to a separate rearing tank near hatch or use a hatching box with gentle aeration.

Breeder’s Tips

• Triggers: small cooler water changes, increased live food, slightly dimmed light
• Cave variety: different sizes, heights, and orientations
• Protect fry: move cave near hatch or keep male with clutch and remove other adults
• First foods: infusoria/paramecium → newly hatched brine shrimp + microworms
• Water changes: 5–10 % daily or every other day with matched parameters

Quick Facts

• Scientific name:Tateurndina ocellicauda
• Common name: Peacock Gudgeon
• Origin: Southeastern Papua New Guinea lowland streams
• Adult size: 6–7.5 cm (2.4–3.0 in)
• Temperature: 24–27 °C (75–81 °F)
• pH: 6.0–7.5; keep stable
• Hardness: low to moderate
• Temperament: peaceful micro-predator, best as pairs or harems
• Diet: accepts quality prepared + live/frozen foods
• Breeding: cave spawner with male brood care

Tropical Fish Co. Notes

Peacock Gudgeons are small fish with big personality — posing, flaring, and gliding like tiny reef fish. A trio over fine sand with driftwood roots, leaf litter, and dense fine-leaved plants, plus a calm pencilfish school as dithers, makes a stunning display. Feed little and often for bright colors and frequent spawning.