Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda)

The Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda) is a small, colorful freshwater fish native to Papua New Guinea, and it’s highly prized in the aquarium hobby for its striking appearance and peaceful nature. Here’s a detailed overview:

Appearance

• Males grow to about 2.5–3 inches (6–7.5 cm), while females stay slightly smaller.
• Their bodies shimmer with iridescent blue, overlaid with pink, yellow, and red markings, giving them the “peacock” name.
• A distinctive feature is the black spot edged in yellow near the base of the tail fin.
• Males have longer fins and more intense coloration, while females tend to be rounder in the belly, especially when carrying eggs.

Behavior & Temperament

• Generally peaceful, making them great for community aquariums with other small, non-aggressive fish.
• They show playful darting movements and often hover mid-water or perch on plants.
• Males may spar lightly over territory but rarely cause harm.

Care & Habitat

• Ideal tank size: 15–20 gallons for a small group.
• Water parameters:
  
• Temperature: 72–78°F (22–26°C)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Soft to moderately hard water
• They thrive in planted tanks with hiding spots like caves, driftwood, or rocks.

Diet

• Naturally micropredators, feeding on small invertebrates.
• In aquariums, they readily accept frozen/live foods (daphnia, brine shrimp, bloodworms) and high-quality flakes or micro-pellets.
• A varied diet enhances their vibrant coloration.

Breeding

• Relatively easy to breed in captivity.
• Males court females by displaying their fins and leading them into caves.
• Eggs are laid inside a cave and guarded by the male until hatching (about 5–10 days).
• Fry require infusoria or powdered fry food initially before transitioning to baby brine shrimp.