Peacock gudgeon, Peacock goby (Tateurndina ocellicauda) care guide

Group
Freshwater fish
Other names
Peacock goby
Family
Eleotridae (sleepers and gudgeons)
Origin
Endemic to eastern Papua New Guinea, in lowland rainforest streams, ponds and rivers.
Water
freshwater
Maximum size
7.5 cm
Temperature
22–26°C
pH
6.5–7.5
Hardness
Medium, 5–10 dGH
Minimum tank
41 litres
Care level
beginner
Temperament
peaceful

Care

Despite the name 'peacock goby', this is a sleeper (gudgeon), not a true goby: its pelvic fins are not fused into a sucker. It is the only species in its genus. It lives in loose groups hovering just above the bottom. Keep a couple of pairs or a small group in a tank with a base of at least 45 × 30 cm (about 41 litres). Males display and flare at each other but rarely do harm if there are enough caves and plants to break up sight lines. Give it a planted tank with sand, driftwood, plenty of caves and gentle flow. Aim for 22–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5 and moderately soft to medium water. Males are bigger and brighter, with a pronounced hump on the head; females have a yellow belly and usually a dark edge to the anal fin. Most fish sold are captive bred. FishBase lists the species as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, so captive-bred stock is the better choice. Sources: Seriously Fish (seriouslyfish.com/species/tateurndina-ocellicauda/); FishBase (fishbase.se/summary/Tateurndina-ocellicauda.html); Wikipedia (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tateurndinaocellicauda). Checked October 2026.

Diet

Takes small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, Daphnia and brine shrimp, and usually learns to accept good-quality dried food too. Use a varied mix for the best colour.

Breeding

Easy to breed. Pairs spawn inside caves such as small pipes or pots, laying eggs on the roof. The male guards and fans the eggs while the female is best moved away. Eggs hatch in about 24–48 hours (Wikipedia notes the male may fan for over a week), and the fry swim freely 2–4 days later. They can take newly hatched brine shrimp straight away.

Compatibility and tank mates

A good fish for a small peaceful community with tetras, rasboras, Corydoras and other small, calm species. Avoid large or boisterous fish that would bully it or eat it. Slightly territorial with its own kind, so give each male a cave.

Last updated 5 October 2026. Community-edited care guide on Aquatic-Auctions.

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