Peacock Gudgeon

Tateurndina ocellicauda

Peacock Gudgeon is a peaceful bottom-to-middle swimmer.

PeacefulBottom to middle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm)
Aquarium size: 11 US gal (41 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Bottom to middle swimmer
Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
pH: 6.5–7.5
GH: 5–10 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 11 US gal (41 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 22–26 °C, pH 6.5–7.5, GH 5–10 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Peacock Gudgeon is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Accepts some dried food but shows better condition with small live/frozen Daphnia, bloodworm and Artemia.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 11 US gal (41 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Natural habitat: Small rainforest streams in eastern Papua New Guinea.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

African Banded Barb Enteromius fasciolatus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–81°F (23–27°C) Barred Pencilfish Nannostomus espei Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 1.2" (≤ 3 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Black Phantom Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Blacknose Butterfly Barb Enteromius candens Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Intermediate ≤ 1.4" (≤ 3.5 cm) 63–75°F (17–24°C) Bleeding Blue Tetra Hyphessobrycon margitae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate 1.6–2" (4–5 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Peacock Gudgeon get?

Peacock Gudgeon reaches ≤ 3" (≤ 7.5 cm).

What aquarium size does Peacock Gudgeon need?

Use an aquarium of at least 11 US gal (41 L) or larger / ≥ 17.7" (≥ 45 cm) minimum length.

Is Peacock Gudgeon peaceful?

Yes. Peacock Gudgeon is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Peacock Gudgeon?

Keep it between 22 to 26 °C.