Peacock Gudgeon

The Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda) is a small, colorful freshwater fish native to Papua New Guinea. Known for its vibrant colors and unique patterns, this species is a favorite among aquarists. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Peacock Gudgeon Fish, including their appearance, size, behavior, tank requirements, water parameters, diet, breeding, color variations, and compatibility.

Appearance and Size Peacock Gudgeon are renowned for their stunning appearance. They feature a mix of vibrant blue, yellow, and orange hues, with a series of black spots along their flanks that resemble the “eyes” of a peacock’s feathers, hence their name. Males typically exhibit more intense coloration than females and have elongated, pointed fins. These fish generally grow to a size of 2.5 to 3 inches (6-7.5 cm), making them suitable for a range of aquarium sizes.

Behavior Peacock Gudgeons are peaceful and relatively shy, preferring to stay in the middle or lower levels of the aquarium. They are social creatures that do well in groups, displaying more vibrant colors and natural behaviors when kept in the company of their own species. While they can be a bit shy initially, they often become more outgoing once they acclimate to their environment.

Tank Requirements To provide an ideal habitat for Peacock Gudgeons, a well-planted aquarium with plenty of hiding spots is recommended. Plants, driftwood, and rocks offer cover and create a natural environment that these fish find comforting. A tank size of at least 20 gallons is suitable for a small group, with larger tanks offering more stability and space for exploration.

Water Parameters Peacock Gudgeon Fish thrive in stable water conditions. The ideal water parameters for these fish are:

• Temperature: 72-79°F (22-26°C)
• pH: 6.5-7.5
• GH: 5-10 dGH
• KH: 3-8 dKH

Regular water changes and careful monitoring of water quality are essential for maintaining their health.

Diet Peacock Gudgeon’s are omnivorous and enjoy a varied diet. In the wild, they feed on small insects, crustaceans, and plant matter. In the aquarium, they can be fed high-quality flake or pellet food, along with frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. Providing a diverse diet helps enhance their coloration and overall health.

Breeding Breeding Peacock Gudgeon is relatively easy in a well-maintained aquarium. Males will court females by displaying their vibrant colors and fanning their fins. The female lays eggs in a cave or crevice, and the male guards the eggs until they hatch. The fry can be fed infusoria or finely crushed flake food until they are large enough to eat larger foods. Providing plenty of hiding spots and stable water conditions will encourage successful breeding.

Color Variations While Peacock Gudgeons are primarily known for their bright blue and yellow colors with black spots, individual fish can exhibit variations in intensity and pattern. The males are usually more colorful, especially during breeding, while females may have slightly muted hues. These color variations can be influenced by diet, water quality, and overall health.

Compatibility Peacock Gudgeons are peaceful and can coexist with other non-aggressive tank mates. They do well with small, similarly peaceful fish like tetras, rasboras, and dwarf gouramis. It’s best to avoid housing them with larger or more aggressive species that may bully or intimidate them.

Peacock Gudgeons are a beautiful and manageable species for freshwater aquariums. Their vibrant colors, peaceful nature, and moderate care requirements make them an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarists. By providing the right environment, diet, and water conditions, you can enjoy the stunning beauty and engaging behavior of Peacock Gudgeon Fish in your own aquarium.