Species profile
Peacock Gudgeon
Tateurndina ocellicauda
Peaceful
Easy care
60 L minimum aquarium
5–7.5 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 2
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Provide multiple narrow caves or tubes if keeping more than one male. Tiny shrimp young and fry may be eaten.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH
5–10 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Low
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 2
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Shrimp fry
Bioload factor
0.8
Peaceful cave-spawning gudgeon. Males defend small breeding cavities but normally coexist well with calm community fish.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
4–5 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
60 L
Minimum footprint
60 × 30 cm
Accepted scientific name
Tateurndina ocellicauda
Alternative names
Peacock Goby, Peacock Gudgeon
Native range
Papua New Guinea.
Natural habitat
Slow forest streams and ponds with vegetation, woody cover and relatively gentle current.
Diet & feeding
Small invertebrates and prepared foods; feed fine frozen/live foods plus quality micro-pellets or flakes.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Males are larger with a more pronounced forehead and extended fins; females are rounder and often show darker fin margins/belly colour.
Breeding
Cave spawner. The female lays adhesive eggs inside a tube/cavity and the male guards and fans them until hatching.