Peacock Gudgeon
Tateurndina ocellicauda
Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda) — Advanced care, Aggressive, under Cichlid. Minimum tank in the app: 19.8 US gal min; aim for 72–79°F and pH 6.5–8.5. The Peacock Gudgeon is a captivating choice for aquarists seeking an active, visually striking fish with personality.

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.
Natural distribution
Africa / South America (varies)
- Africa
- South America
Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.
Peacock Gudgeon Tank Setup
Create a balanced environment that includes ample hiding spots and visual barriers to establish territories. Use fine substrates to mimic their natural habitat, moderate water flow to facilitate movement, and avoid overly bright lighting that may stress them. Aquascaping should incorporate rocks, driftwood, and plants to provide both cover and foraging opportunities.
What Do Peacock Gudgeons Eat?
Feeding can be competitive, especially if multiple species are present, so providing a varied diet that includes both flakes and live or frozen food will ensure they thrive and display their colors. Monitor their intake to prevent overfeeding, which can lead to health issues.
Peacock Gudgeon Tank Mates
Ideal companions are similar-sized, robust fish that can handle some aggression, such as certain barbs or livebearers. Avoid long-finned or slow-moving species, as they are prime targets for fin-nipping. Intraspecies aggression can occur, so keeping only one Peacock Gudgeon in a tank is advisable to prevent conflict over territory.
Are Peacock Gudgeons Good for Beginners?
This sits in the advanced range in the app. Strong filtration, stable chemistry, and reading up before purchase matter more than a catchy shop name. Aquarists often underestimate the territorial nature of this species, leading to aggressive encounters with unsuitable tankmates. neglecting to provide adequate cover can result in stress or even aggression towards their own reflection.
Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.
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