Peacock gudgeon

Introduction

The Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda), also known as the Peacock Goby, is a vibrant and peaceful freshwater fish native to Papua New Guinea. Renowned for its striking coloration—featuring a silvery-blue body adorned with red stripes and a distinctive black spot near the tail—this species adds a splash of color to any aquarium. Its manageable size and relatively straightforward care requirements make it an excellent choice for both novice and intermediate aquarists.

What makes the Peacock Gudgeon a popular choice among aquarists?

Its vivid colors, peaceful temperament, and ease of care make it a favorite among fish enthusiasts.

Is the Peacock Gudgeon suitable for beginners?

Yes, with proper tank setup and maintenance, beginners can successfully keep Peacock Gudgeons.

Care and Environment

Providing the right environment is crucial for the health and happiness of Peacock Gudgeons. Here's a comprehensive guide to their care:

What is the minimum tank size for a Peacock Gudgeon?

A minimum of 40 liters (approximately 10 gallons) is recommended for a single fish or pair. For a small group, a 60-liter (15-gallon) tank is more suitable.

What are the ideal water parameters for Peacock Gudgeons?

Maintain a temperature between 22°C and 26°C (72°F to 79°F), a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, and water hardness of 5 to 12 dGH. Consistency in these parameters is vital to prevent stress and disease.

How should the tank be set up for Peacock Gudgeons?

Use a dark substrate like fine sand to mimic their natural habitat and enhance their coloration. Incorporate live plants such as Java Fern, Anubias, and Water Wisteria to provide hiding spots and reduce stress. Adding driftwood and caves will offer additional shelter and potential breeding sites.

What type of filtration and lighting is best?

Opt for gentle filtration to avoid strong currents, as Peacock Gudgeons are not strong swimmers. Low to moderate lighting is ideal, as it encourages plant growth and creates a comfortable environment for the fish.

What should I feed my Peacock Gudgeons?

They thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flakes or pellets supplemented with live or frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Feeding them 2–3 times daily in small amounts ensures they receive adequate nutrition without overfeeding.

Are there any specific challenges in keeping Peacock Gudgeons?

While generally peaceful, males can become territorial during breeding. Providing ample hiding spots and maintaining a well-structured tank can help mitigate aggression. Additionally, ensure the tank is securely covered, as they are known to be good jumpers.

Origin and Habitat

Peacock Gudgeons are endemic to the eastern regions of Papua New Guinea, inhabiting slow-moving rivers, streams, and ponds. These environments are typically warm, with abundant vegetation and soft substrates. The water in their natural habitat is slightly acidic to neutral, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 26°C (72°F to 79°F). Mimicking these conditions in the aquarium will help them thrive.

Where are Peacock Gudgeons naturally found?

They are native to the eastern parts of Papua New Guinea.

What type of environments do they prefer in the wild?

They inhabit slow-moving rivers, streams, and ponds with warm temperatures and abundant vegetation.

Temperament and Compatibility

Peacock Gudgeons are peaceful and sociable fish, making them excellent candidates for community tanks. They prefer to be kept in small groups of 4 to 6 individuals, which allows them to exhibit natural behaviors and reduces stress.

Are Peacock Gudgeons aggressive?

Generally, they are not aggressive. However, males may display territorial behavior during breeding periods.

What are suitable tank mates for Peacock Gudgeons?

Compatible tank mates include small, non-aggressive species such as tetras, rasboras, corydoras catfish, and dwarf gouramis. Avoid housing them with larger or aggressive fish that might intimidate or outcompete them for food.

How can I create a harmonious tank environment?

Ensure the tank is spacious enough to accommodate all inhabitants comfortably, provide plenty of hiding spots, and monitor interactions to prevent bullying or stress.

Interesting Facts

Peacock Gudgeons are unique in several ways that make them particularly fascinating to aquarists:

• Despite being commonly referred to as "Peacock Gobies," they are not true gobies. Unlike gobies, their pelvic fins are not fused, placing them in the Eleotridae family.
• They are known for their distinctive black spot near the tail, which resembles an eye and serves as a defense mechanism to confuse predators.
• Breeding Peacock Gudgeons is relatively straightforward. Males court females by displaying vibrant colors and performing specific movements around chosen spawning sites, such as caves or hollow decorations.

Why are they called Peacock Gudgeons?

The name derives from their vibrant, peacock-like coloration and their classification within the gudgeon family.

Can Peacock Gudgeons be bred in home aquariums?

Yes, with proper tank conditions and the provision of suitable spawning sites, they can successfully breed in captivity.

Sources

All information in this article has been gathered from the following reputable sources:

• thepetstep.com
• buildyouraquarium.com
• petzonesd.com