Tateurndina ocellicauda
A nano centrepiece with electric-blue and pink-red bands, plus a black tail spot edged in gold. Hovers in mid-water like a tiny dwarf cichlid. Male tends the eggs in a cave. Excellent for densely-planted 60 L setups.
Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda) reaches 5–7 cm as an adult and needs a minimum tank of 60 L. Native to Papua New Guinea, it lives in the mid to bottom water column with a peaceful temperament. Aim for 22–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, and 5–15 dGH hardness. Lifespan is 4–5 years with good care. Peacock Gudgeon can be kept singly or in a small group. Diet: carnivore, Frozen bloodworm, daphnia, baby brine shrimp. Often refuses dry food initially. Plant-safe: Yes. Shrimp-safe: Adults only (eats shrimplets).
Care at a glance
A nano centrepiece with electric-blue and pink-red bands, plus a black tail spot edged in gold. Hovers in mid-water like a tiny dwarf cichlid. Male tends the eggs in a cave. Excellent for densely-planted 60 L setups.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated 1 min read
Part of our complete guide to aquarium fish for the planted tank.
The parameters that decide whether peacock gudgeon fits in your tank.
Mid to bottom
No
Can be kept solo
Eleotridae
Carnivore
Frozen bloodworm, daphnia, baby brine shrimp. Often refuses dry food initially.
4–5 yrs
Medium (cave spawner, male tends)
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
Tank-mate safety and the species this one is documented to thrive (or fail) alongside.
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda) needs a minimum tank of 60 L. They live in the mid to bottom water column and can be kept singly, so a longer footprint matters more than depth.
Target 22–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, and 5–15 dGH hardness. Acclimate slowly when moving them between water sources.
Shrimp safety: Adults only (eats shrimplets). Plant safety: Yes.
Peacock Gudgeon are carnivore. Frozen bloodworm, daphnia, baby brine shrimp. Often refuses dry food initially.
On Fin & Stem's 1–5 difficulty scale this species rates 2/5. Forgiving, beginner-friendly once the tank is cycled. Breeding difficulty: medium (cave spawner, male tends).
Typical lifespan in a well-maintained tank is 4–5 years.
A planted tank is a system. Pair this fish with one entry from each other pillar to plan the whole scape.
