Family: Eleotridae
Distribution: Tateurndina ocellicauda, commonly known as the Peacock Gudgeon, is a freshwater species native to New Guinea and east Papua; it is mostly found in rainforest streams, rivers and ponds.
PH: 6.5 – 7.0
Temperature: 23°C – 28C (74 – 82F)
Hardness: 4 – 14 dH
Description: Tateurndina ocellicauda reaches a maximum length of 7.5 cm in an aquarium. This species has a main colour of blue, with some fine-lined red vertical banding that follows up into the dorsal and anal fins. It also has a pale-yellow colouration on its belly that may be more obvious in females. Males have a block-like head shape; females have a streamlined head and, often, a black line on their anal fin. Tateurndina ocellicauda can live from 5 – 8 years.
Diet: The Peacock Gudgeon has a preference for live food – Daphnia, bloodworm and mosquito larvae in particular – but can be given some prepared foods.
Breeding: A yellow patch will appear on the female’s belly when she is set to spawn. This species will lay its eggs in caves, so make sure you have plenty of spawning spots in your tank. The male assumes responsibility for the eggs and will tend and fan them for 6 – 7 days until they hatch. The fry, tiny in size, will take a while to grow larger and should be only given very small foods initially.
Comments: Tateurndina ocellicauda will swim at all levels of the tank and prefer to be kept in pairs. You can easily keep a pair in a 10 gallon tank. You will need to make plenty of water changes, as this species will suffer if not kept in a clean tank in the water conditions listed above. Provide plenty of hiding spaces – this is very important – and carry out a 50 per cent water change on a weekly basis. This species requires a moderate level of care and is suited to those with experience in the hobby.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: The Peacock Gudgeon is not an active swimmer and should be kept with small, peaceful tank mates. Some suggestions may include Orange Tetras, some Rasboras, Bumblebee Gobies, Zebra Danios and some types of Platies.
Originally posted 2010-01-26 21:19:02. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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