Product Details

Peacock Goby – Tateurndina ocellicauda

The Peacock Goby is a small, colourful freshwater gudgeon with a bright blue body, red markings, yellow-edged fins and a distinctive eye-spot near the tail. Also sold as the Peacock Gudgeon, Eye-spot Sleeper or Peacock Sleeper Goby, this peaceful species is ideal for mature planted aquariums with calm tank mates, gentle flow and plenty of cover. It is full of character, often hovering close to the lower and middle areas of the tank, and is especially attractive when kept in a small group.

Key Identification:

Common Name: Peacock Goby
Other Names: Peacock Gudgeon, Eye-spot Sleeper, Peacock Sleeper Goby, Rainbow Gudgeon
Scientific Name: Tateurndina ocellicauda
Fish Type: Gudgeon / Sleeper Goby
Water Type: Freshwater

Natural Range & Habitat:

Tateurndina ocellicauda is native to Papua New Guinea, where it inhabits freshwater rivers, ponds and rainforest streams. These habitats are typically calm to gently flowing, with aquatic plants, submerged roots, leaf litter, shaded areas and natural cover.

In the aquarium, Peacock Gobies do best in a mature planted setup with plenty of hiding places. Driftwood, caves, smooth stones, plant thickets, leaf litter and floating plants all help them feel secure and show stronger colour.

Appearance & Adult Size:

Peacock Gobies have a compact body with a rounded head, large eyes and colourful patterned fins. The body is usually pale blue, grey-blue or lavender with red vertical markings, yellow fin edges and a dark eye-spot at the base of the tail.

Males are usually larger, deeper-bodied and more colourful, with a more noticeable rounded head and stronger fin development. Females are generally smaller and may show a yellowish belly when mature. Adults usually reach around 5–7 cm.

Aquarium Suitability:

This species is well suited to mature planted aquariums, peaceful community tanks and small species displays. It appreciates calm surroundings, gentle filtration, shaded areas and small caves or tubes for shelter.

Peacock Gobies are not suitable for rough, aggressive or very boisterous aquariums. They can be shy at first and may be outcompeted by fast-feeding fish, so tank mates should be calm and food should be offered in a way that reaches them.

Recommended Aquarium Size:

A practical minimum is 60 litres for a pair or small group, with 80 litres or more preferred for a mixed peaceful community.

They can be kept in pairs or small groups, but provide several caves and visual barriers if keeping multiple males. A group with more females than males can help reduce competition and encourage natural behaviour.

Water Conditions:

Temperature: 22–26°C
pH: 6.5–7.5
Hardness: Soft to moderately hard
Additional Notes: Peacock Gobies prefer clean, stable water with gentle flow and good oxygenation. They do best in mature aquariums with planted cover and hiding places. Avoid unstable new tanks, poor water quality, strong current and very hard alkaline extremes.

Temperament & Tank Mates:

Aquarium Category: Community Fish

Peacock Gobies are peaceful community fish, although males may become mildly territorial around caves, especially when breeding. Suitable tank mates include small tetras, rasboras, peaceful livebearers in suitable water, dwarf cory-type catfish, Otocinclus, small rainbowfish and other calm community species.

Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, boisterous barbs and very fast-feeding fish that may prevent them from getting enough food. Very small shrimp fry may be eaten, but adult shrimp are often ignored in well-planted aquariums.

Feeding:

Peacock Gobies are small carnivorous to omnivorous micropredators. Offer small frozen or live foods such as daphnia, cyclops, brineshrimp, bloodworm, mosquito larvae and finely chopped mysis.

Many individuals will also accept quality micro pellets, soft granules and fine slow-sinking foods, but some can be reluctant with dry foods at first. A varied diet is important for colour, breeding condition and long-term health. Feed small amounts that are eaten quickly to protect water quality.

Behaviour in the Aquarium:

This species often hovers close to the lower and middle areas of the aquarium, moving between plants, caves and open spaces in short bursts. They are not true bottom-sitters like many gobies, but they do spend a lot of time close to structure.

Males may claim caves and display to females with flared fins and brighter colour. Breeding can occur in mature aquariums, with eggs laid inside caves, tubes or crevices. The male usually guards and fans the eggs until they hatch.

Care Notes:

Add Peacock Gobies only to a mature, stable aquarium with peaceful tank mates. Provide caves, plants and shaded cover, especially if keeping more than one male.

Make sure they are feeding well, as newly imported or newly settled fish may prefer frozen or live foods over flakes. Avoid strong current, aggressive tank mates and bare aquariums with no hiding places. A secure lid is recommended, as small fish can jump when startled.

Recommended For:

Beginner to intermediate

Availability:

Common to occasional / Usually captive-bred or commercially farmed, with wild imports sometimes available

Image Disclaimer:

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Natural variation in size, colour, pattern, fin shape, body tone and markings can occur between individual fish.