All fish / Eleotridae

Peacock Gudgeon

Tateurndina ocellicauda

Also known as peacock goby, peacock sleeper, eye-spot sleeper, peacock gudgeon goby, tateurndina, ピーコック・ガジョン, 孔雀塘鳢, 孔雀虾虎

A small, colourful sleeper goby with a pale blue body flecked with red, yellow fin edges and a black eyespot at the base of the tail. Males develop a pronounced forehead hump. It is kept for its bright colours, calm nature and suitability for planted community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Easy

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

6 cm

Temperature

22 to 28 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.8

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more, ideally with more females than males

Diet

Carnivore: live and frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, plus good quality small granules

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Eastern Papua New Guinea

Breeding

A cave spawner: the female lays eggs inside a tube or small cave and the male guards them until they hatch in about a week. Breeding is fairly easy in a well-planted tank, and the fry take infusoria and then baby brine shrimp.

Good to know

Males squabble over caves, so provide several hiding spots. Can be shy and reluctant to take dry food at first.