Peacock Gudgeon

Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda) is one of the most stunning small fish in the freshwater hobby — an Australian/Papua New Guinean gudgeon with extraordinary coloration: vivid blue body with red horizontal stripes, yellow-gold highlights, a bold black ocellus spot at the tail base, and blood-red fin markings in males. At under 3 inches it packs more color into a small package than almost any other fish available.

Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets (soaked) and Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes make excellent daily staples. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen Daphnia. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.

Native to rivers and streams of eastern Papua New Guinea and possibly far northeastern Australia. Inhabits clear, slow-moving water with dense vegetation and caves. A planted aquarium with PVC tubes or coconut shell caves for spawning sites produces the most colorful and active fish.

Keep in groups of two or more. Males display their extraordinary coloration to each other and to females in constant territorial posturing — the display is spectacular and the fish do not damage each other. Compatible with small, peaceful community species.

The Peacock Gudgeon is a cave spawner — males guard the eggs in caves and fan them until hatching. One of the most rewarding small fish to breed in the aquarium. In full display, the male is genuinely breathtaking.

Care & Ideal Parameters