Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda)

Description

Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda)

Small, colourful and bursting with personality, the Peacock Gudgeon is one of the most beautiful small freshwater fish available. With shimmering turquoise-blue scales, vivid red markings, yellow-edged fins and a distinctive black tail spot, this peaceful Papua New Guinea native delivers incredible colour without requiring a large aquarium.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Tateurndina ocellicauda
  • Common names: Peacock Gudgeon, Peacock Goby
  • Origin: Papua New Guinea
  • Current size: Approximately 3–4 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 5–7 cm
  • Tank size: 45L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy to Moderate
  • Temperament: Peaceful; males may become territorial when breeding
  • Best kept: As a pair or small group with plenty of plants and hiding places

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want a genuinely colourful small feature fish.
  • You have a planted community aquarium.
  • You enjoy fish with interesting courtship and breeding behaviour.
  • You want something different from the usual Tetras and Rasboras.
  • You enjoy smaller fish with plenty of personality.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep large or aggressive fish.
  • Your aquarium has no plants, caves or hiding places.
  • You keep very boisterous species that will dominate feeding time.
  • You want a tightly schooling fish that constantly swims in open water.

Why choose the Peacock Gudgeon?

Peacock Gudgeons pack an extraordinary amount of colour into a relatively small fish. Their body develops beautiful turquoise to powder-blue colouration decorated with irregular red markings, while yellow and black accents through the fins create an almost painted appearance.

The characteristic dark spot near the base of the tail gives the species its "peacock" name, resembling the eye-like markings found in a peacock's feathers.

Their behaviour is equally appealing. Peacock Gudgeons explore plants, driftwood and caves rather than simply swimming continuously through open water. Mature males establish small territories and display to females, becoming especially impressive when breeding.

Benefits

  • Spectacular turquoise, red and yellow colouration
  • Compact adult size
  • Generally peaceful community temperament
  • Excellent for planted aquariums
  • Fascinating courtship and breeding behaviour
  • Can be maintained as pairs or small groups
  • A fantastic alternative to conventional community fish

Care made simple

  • Temperature: Approximately 23–27°C
  • pH: Approximately 6.5–7.5
  • Diet: Quality micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and appropriately sized live foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle to moderate flow
  • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
  • Setup: Dense planting, driftwood, caves and sheltered areas combined with open swimming space
  • Provide several caves or narrow spawning sites when keeping multiple adults.
  • A varied diet containing frozen or live foods helps maintain excellent colour and breeding condition.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Ember Tetras
  • Chilli Rasboras
  • Small Rainbowfish
  • Corydoras
  • Otocinclus
NTA Insight:
Peacock Gudgeons are one of those fish that often look even better once they have settled into a mature aquarium. Give them plants, darker surroundings, quality frozen foods and several small caves and their colours and behaviour really begin to shine. They are also an excellent choice if you want to observe breeding behaviour without keeping a large or aggressive cichlid.

FAQ

Is the Peacock Gudgeon an Australian native fish?

No. Despite sometimes appearing alongside Australian and Australasian native fishes in the aquarium trade, Tateurndina ocellicauda originates from Papua New Guinea.

Is the Peacock Gudgeon actually a goby?

Despite the alternative common name "Peacock Goby", Tateurndina ocellicauda is generally referred to in the aquarium hobby as a gudgeon. Using Peacock Gudgeon avoids some of the confusion surrounding the common names.

Are Peacock Gudgeons aggressive?

They are generally peaceful. Mature males can become territorial around caves, particularly when breeding, but serious aggression is uncommon when adequate space and multiple hiding places are provided.

How many should I keep?

They can be kept as a compatible pair or in small groups. In groups, provide multiple caves and visual barriers so males and females can establish their own spaces.

How can I tell males and females apart?

Mature males generally develop a broader head and more elongated finnage. Females often have a rounder abdomen when mature and can show distinctive colouration around the belly, particularly when in breeding condition.

What should I feed them?

Offer quality micro pellets alongside frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Some newly introduced individuals may initially prefer frozen or live foods before readily accepting prepared diets.

Can Peacock Gudgeons live with shrimp?

Adult shrimp may coexist with them, particularly in heavily planted aquariums, but small shrimp and shrimplets may be eaten. They are not the best choice if maximising shrimp reproduction is your priority.

Can Peacock Gudgeons breed in an aquarium?

Yes. They are cavity spawners. A pair may select a small cave, tube or narrow opening where eggs are deposited. The male typically guards and fans the eggs until they hatch.

How long do Peacock Gudgeons live?

With excellent water quality, a varied diet and appropriate care, Peacock Gudgeons commonly live for around 4–5 years.

Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda)

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$30.00


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    Description

    Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda)

    Small, colourful and bursting with personality, the Peacock Gudgeon is one of the most beautiful small freshwater fish available. With shimmering turquoise-blue scales, vivid red markings, yellow-edged fins and a distinctive black tail spot, this peaceful Papua New Guinea native delivers incredible colour without requiring a large aquarium.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Tateurndina ocellicauda
    • Common names: Peacock Gudgeon, Peacock Goby
    • Origin: Papua New Guinea
    • Current size: Approximately 3–4 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 5–7 cm
    • Tank size: 45L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy to Moderate
    • Temperament: Peaceful; males may become territorial when breeding
    • Best kept: As a pair or small group with plenty of plants and hiding places

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want a genuinely colourful small feature fish.
    • You have a planted community aquarium.
    • You enjoy fish with interesting courtship and breeding behaviour.
    • You want something different from the usual Tetras and Rasboras.
    • You enjoy smaller fish with plenty of personality.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep large or aggressive fish.
    • Your aquarium has no plants, caves or hiding places.
    • You keep very boisterous species that will dominate feeding time.
    • You want a tightly schooling fish that constantly swims in open water.

    Why choose the Peacock Gudgeon?

    Peacock Gudgeons pack an extraordinary amount of colour into a relatively small fish. Their body develops beautiful turquoise to powder-blue colouration decorated with irregular red markings, while yellow and black accents through the fins create an almost painted appearance.

    The characteristic dark spot near the base of the tail gives the species its "peacock" name, resembling the eye-like markings found in a peacock's feathers.

    Their behaviour is equally appealing. Peacock Gudgeons explore plants, driftwood and caves rather than simply swimming continuously through open water. Mature males establish small territories and display to females, becoming especially impressive when breeding.

    Benefits

    • Spectacular turquoise, red and yellow colouration
    • Compact adult size
    • Generally peaceful community temperament
    • Excellent for planted aquariums
    • Fascinating courtship and breeding behaviour
    • Can be maintained as pairs or small groups
    • A fantastic alternative to conventional community fish

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: Approximately 23–27°C
    • pH: Approximately 6.5–7.5
    • Diet: Quality micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and appropriately sized live foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle to moderate flow
    • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
    • Setup: Dense planting, driftwood, caves and sheltered areas combined with open swimming space
    • Provide several caves or narrow spawning sites when keeping multiple adults.
    • A varied diet containing frozen or live foods helps maintain excellent colour and breeding condition.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Ember Tetras
    • Chilli Rasboras
    • Small Rainbowfish
    • Corydoras
    • Otocinclus
    NTA Insight:
    Peacock Gudgeons are one of those fish that often look even better once they have settled into a mature aquarium. Give them plants, darker surroundings, quality frozen foods and several small caves and their colours and behaviour really begin to shine. They are also an excellent choice if you want to observe breeding behaviour without keeping a large or aggressive cichlid.

    FAQ

    Is the Peacock Gudgeon an Australian native fish?

    No. Despite sometimes appearing alongside Australian and Australasian native fishes in the aquarium trade, Tateurndina ocellicauda originates from Papua New Guinea.

    Is the Peacock Gudgeon actually a goby?

    Despite the alternative common name "Peacock Goby", Tateurndina ocellicauda is generally referred to in the aquarium hobby as a gudgeon. Using Peacock Gudgeon avoids some of the confusion surrounding the common names.

    Are Peacock Gudgeons aggressive?

    They are generally peaceful. Mature males can become territorial around caves, particularly when breeding, but serious aggression is uncommon when adequate space and multiple hiding places are provided.

    How many should I keep?

    They can be kept as a compatible pair or in small groups. In groups, provide multiple caves and visual barriers so males and females can establish their own spaces.

    How can I tell males and females apart?

    Mature males generally develop a broader head and more elongated finnage. Females often have a rounder abdomen when mature and can show distinctive colouration around the belly, particularly when in breeding condition.

    What should I feed them?

    Offer quality micro pellets alongside frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. Some newly introduced individuals may initially prefer frozen or live foods before readily accepting prepared diets.

    Can Peacock Gudgeons live with shrimp?

    Adult shrimp may coexist with them, particularly in heavily planted aquariums, but small shrimp and shrimplets may be eaten. They are not the best choice if maximising shrimp reproduction is your priority.

    Can Peacock Gudgeons breed in an aquarium?

    Yes. They are cavity spawners. A pair may select a small cave, tube or narrow opening where eggs are deposited. The male typically guards and fans the eggs until they hatch.

    How long do Peacock Gudgeons live?

    With excellent water quality, a varied diet and appropriate care, Peacock Gudgeons commonly live for around 4–5 years.

      Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

      Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

      Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

      Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

      We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

      Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

      Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

      In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

      Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

      Can you ship to all states in Australia?

      No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

      What should I check before ordering?

      Before placing an order, make sure:

      • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
      • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
      • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
      • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
      • You are not adding too many fish at once
      What should I expect when my fish arrives?

      It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

      This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

      How long does it take for fish to settle in?

      Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

      Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

      No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

      If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

      Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

      In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

      • Uncycled or unstable tanks
      • Poor water parameters
      • Overstocking
      • Unsuitable tank mates
      What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

      Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

      If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

      Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

      If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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