Peacock Gudgeon – Tateurndina ocellicauda

The Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda) is a colorful nano freshwater fish known for its blue body, bright yellow fins, red accents, and unique personality. Native to Papua New Guinea, this peaceful species adds bold color and charm to planted aquariums, nano tanks, and calm community setups.

Peacock Gudgeons are popular with aquascapers and freshwater hobbyists because they stay small, behave peacefully, and show beautiful coloration in well-maintained aquariums. Their interactive behavior and eye-catching appearance make them a standout choice for planted tanks with caves, driftwood, and gentle tankmates.

Key Features

• Vibrant blue body with yellow fins and red accents
• Peaceful nano freshwater fish
• Great for planted aquariums and aquascapes
• Unique personality and engaging behavior
• Can work well with shrimp, snails, and small peaceful fish
• Best kept in pairs or small groups

Care Guide

• Scientific Name: Tateurndina ocellicauda
• Common Name: Peacock Gudgeon
• Origin: Papua New Guinea
• Care Level: Easy to moderate
• Temperament: Peaceful; may establish small territories
• Adult Size: Approximately 2–2.5 inches
• Minimum Tank Size: 10 gallons or larger recommended
• Tank Level: Bottom to midwater
• Water Temperature: 72–78°F
• pH Range: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: Soft to moderate
• Diet: Omnivore

Why Choose Peacock Gudgeons?

Peacock Gudgeons are a great choice for aquarists who want a peaceful nano fish with bright color and personality. Their blue, yellow, and red markings make them one of the most attractive small freshwater fish for planted aquariums.

Unlike many fast schooling fish, Peacock Gudgeons often explore the aquarium, perch near plants or decor, and interact with their surroundings. They are peaceful overall but may claim small territories, especially around caves or breeding sites.

Ideal Tank Setup

Peacock Gudgeons do best in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with live plants, caves, driftwood, rocks, and hiding spaces. They appreciate structure in the aquarium, especially if kept in pairs or small groups.

Gentle filtration, clean water, and stable parameters are important for long-term success. A darker substrate, planted background, and varied diet can help bring out their best coloration.

Compatible Tankmates

• Small peaceful tetras
• Rasboras
• Celestial Pearl Danios
• Pygmy Corydoras
• Otocinclus
• Small peaceful gouramis with caution
• Adult shrimp with proper cover
• Snails

Tankmates to Avoid

• Large predatory fish
• Aggressive cichlids
• Fin-nipping species
• Fast, boisterous fish that may outcompete them for food
• Very territorial bottom dwellers in small aquariums
• Tiny baby shrimp if shrimp breeding is the goal

Diet & Feeding

Peacock Gudgeons are omnivores and should be offered a varied diet. Feed micro pellets, small granules, quality flakes, frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, brine shrimp, and small live foods when available.

Some Peacock Gudgeons may prefer frozen or live foods at first, so offer a mix of foods to encourage strong appetite, healthy color, and activity.

Behavior & Breeding

Peacock Gudgeons are peaceful but may establish small territories, especially around caves or tight hiding spots. They are cave spawners and may breed in home aquariums when kept in stable conditions with proper cover.

Providing caves, small tubes, driftwood crevices, or similar hiding areas can encourage natural behavior and help reduce stress between individuals.

Care Tips

• Keep in pairs or small groups when space allows
• Provide caves, driftwood, plants, and hiding spaces
• Maintain clean, stable water conditions
• Use peaceful tankmates that will not outcompete them
• Feed a varied diet of small prepared, frozen, and live foods
• Use darker substrate and plants to enhance color

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Peacock Gudgeons beginner-friendly?
Yes. Peacock Gudgeons can be beginner-friendly in a stable, fully cycled aquarium with peaceful tankmates, clean water, and proper food.

Do Peacock Gudgeons get along with shrimp?
They are generally safe with adult shrimp in planted aquariums with cover, but very tiny baby shrimp may be eaten by many fish.

How many Peacock Gudgeons should I keep?
They can be kept as a pair or in small groups in a 10 gallon or larger aquarium. More space and hiding spots are recommended for groups.

Do Peacock Gudgeons need a planted tank?
They do best in planted aquariums with caves, driftwood, and hiding spots, but live plants are not strictly required if the tank provides enough cover.

How do I bring out their best colors?
Feed a varied diet, maintain stable water, provide live plants or cover, and use darker substrate or backgrounds to help enhance their natural color.

How big do Peacock Gudgeons get?
Peacock Gudgeons typically reach approximately 2–2.5 inches as adults.

What do Peacock Gudgeons eat?
They eat micro pellets, small granules, quality flakes, frozen brine shrimp, baby brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms, and small live foods.

Are these fish available for shipping?
No. Live fish are available for in-store purchase or local pickup only at Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Available at Tropical Treasures Wyo

Peacock Gudgeons are colorful nano freshwater fish for planted aquariums, aquascapes, and peaceful community tanks. Visit Tropical Treasures Wyo in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to shop nano fish, freshwater fish, shrimp, snails, live aquarium plants, fish food, filtration supplies, and aquarium care products. Live livestock is available for in-store purchase or local pickup only.

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