Peacock Goby Tateurndina Ocellicauda 4cm

Overview

The Peacock Goby, or Peacock Gudgeon, is a small, plump sleeper goby with a powder-blue body scattered with red speckles, yellow-edged fins and a bold eyespot at the base of the tail. Males develop a rounded nuchal hump and brighter colour. Native to rainforest streams of Papua New Guinea, it suits planted nano and community tanks with small, gentle fish.

• Adult Size: Around 6–7.5 cm (2.5–3 in); males larger
• Lifespan: 4–5 years

Origin

• Native to: Papua New Guinea, eastern lowlands
• Habitat: Slow rainforest streams and ponds with dense cover

Feeding

• Diet: Carnivorous; micro-predator
• Preferred Foods: Bloodworm, brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, mosquito larvae, soft micro-pellets
• Feeding Habits: Once or twice daily; live and frozen foods preferred

Tank Mates

• Best with: Small tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, small rainbowfish, shrimp
• Avoid: Large or boisterous fish, fin nippers, fast greedy feeders

Aggression & Behaviour

• Temperament: Peaceful
• Territoriality: Mild sparring between males, limited to displays

Experience Level

• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
• Challenges: Can refuse dry food; shy in bare tanks

Water Parameters

• Water Type: Freshwater, soft and slightly acidic
• Temperature: 22–26°C (72–79°F)
• pH: 6.5–7.5
• Hardness: 5–10 dGH
• Flow: Slow
• Tank Size: Minimum 45 litres for a pair or trio; larger for groups

Final Notes

Give it dense planting, bogwood and small caves; it is a cave spawner and pairs breed readily, with the male guarding eggs that hatch in a day or two. Males are larger with a pronounced hump, while females show a yellow belly and a dark bar on the anal fin. Coax new arrivals with live or frozen foods before trying dry. Easy, colourful and full of character.