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Peacock Gudgeon

Tateurndina ocellicauda

Also called Peacock goby

SpeciesShort profile

From Eastern Papua New Guinea, in lowland rainforest streams, rivers and ponds.123

At a glance the quick version

Length5 to 7.5 cm213
Sizesmall
Jewel-like colours
Peaceful with community fish
Devoted fathers that guard their eggs
13

Looks how to spot one

Elongated scaled fish

A slim, colourful sleeper goby. Males are larger and grow a raised hump behind the head; females are smaller and more streamlined.13

Coloursblue-silver bodypink and red spotted stripesyellow belly (brighter in females)black eyespot at the tail base31

Personality what they are like

Peaceful toward other species and a little territorial with its own kind, mostly mild posturing between males.13

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Hovers in loose groups just above the bottom and appreciates places to retreat.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Temperature 22-26 C, pH about 6.5-7.5, soft to medium water (around 5-10 dGH).12

Home where they are happiest

At least a 45 x 30 cm footprint (about 41 litres) for a couple of pairs. Dim light, plants and plenty of caves or pipes for hiding and breeding.13

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Eats insects, larvae and small crustaceans. Offer small live and frozen foods like brine shrimp, daphnia and bloodworm; it also takes dried food.13

Company who they like around

Can be kept in small groups or pairs; good company for calm rainbowfish, tetras, rasboras and Corydoras.1

The story where it all began

Nichols described the species in 1955 and created the genus Tateurndina for it. It remains the only member of its genus.23

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Despite the nickname 'peacock goby', it is a sleeper goby (family Eleotridae), not a true goby.3

  2. 2

    Pairs clean out a cave before spawning, and the male fans and guards the eggs alone.2

  3. 3

    Courting males swim in circles and flare their pectoral fins at the female.3

Recognised by the official bits

IUCN Red List (via FishBase)
Vulnerable (assessed 2020).2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Peacock Gudgeon. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Peacock Gudgeon?

Feed small amounts once or twice daily. Offer a variety of small live and frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia, plus dried food. Follow the food label for amounts and consult your vet for specific needs.13 Pet Wiki plan

What does a Peacock Gudgeon eat, and what should it never eat?

Peacock Gudgeons enjoy small live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworm, and also accept dried food. Avoid any food that is too large or hard for them. For specific dietary restrictions, ask your exotic pet vet.13

How much space does a Peacock Gudgeon need?

A tank with a footprint of at least 45 by 30 centimetres (about 41 litres) is recommended for a couple of pairs. Provide dim light, plants, and plenty of caves or pipes for hiding and breeding.13

What temperature, light or water does a Peacock Gudgeon need?

Keep water temperature between 22 and 26 degrees Celsius, pH around 6.5 to 7.5, and soft to medium hardness (5-10 dGH). Provide dim lighting and plenty of hiding spots.12

How often should I clean a Peacock Gudgeon's home?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests a partial water change of 10 to 20 percent every two weeks, cleaning the glass weekly, and testing water quality weekly. Also top up evaporation daily with fresh RO water. Pet Wiki plan

Can a Peacock Gudgeon live with others?

Yes, Peacock Gudgeons are peaceful with other species and can live with calm fish like rainbowfish, tetras, rasboras, and Corydoras. Keep them in small groups or pairs, and provide plenty of hiding spots to reduce territorial behaviour.13

How long does a Peacock Gudgeon live?

Lifespan varies depending on care and environment. For specific information, please ask your exotic pet vet or a good breeder.

Can I handle a Peacock Gudgeon?

It is best to avoid handling your Peacock Gudgeon as it can cause stress and injury. For any necessary procedures, consult your exotic pet vet.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. Seriously Fish: Tateurndina ocellicauda seriouslyfish.comused for size, care, behaviour, diet
  2. FishBase: Tateurndina ocellicauda fishbase.seused for size, range, water parameters, IUCN, breeding
  3. Wikipedia: Peacock gudgeon en.wikipedia.orgused for colours, size, breeding, history, fun facts

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.