Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina ocellicauda) is a beginner-level freshwater fish that needs at least 20 gallons and 68-79°F. A small, colorful bottom-to-mid fish with a spotted tail and a pink-and-blue sheen. It is a calm, easy choice for a planted community tank with caves, and it will use a small cave to spawn.

Care facts at a glance

Scientific nameTateurndina ocellicauda
FamilyEleotridae
OriginPapua New Guinea
Adult size3 in
Minimum tank20 gallons
Temperature68-79°F
pH6.5-7.8
TemperamentPeaceful, shy
Social behaviorPairs or small groups
Swim levelBottom to mid
DifficultyBeginner
DietOmnivore: small pellets, frozen foods, live foods, crushed flakes
Typical lifespan4-5 years

Quick tips

  • Provide small caves or pipes.
  • Choose calm tankmates; larger fish steal the food.
  • Offer sinking and frozen foods as well as flakes.

San Diego water

Tolerates San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water (pH roughly 7.6-8.6) with slow acclimation and a conditioner that handles chloramine. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.

Before you buy

Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.

Find it at Pet Zone

Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.

Pet Zone Convoy

4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm

Aquascaping, planted tanks

Pet Zone Mid-City

4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm

Monster fish, koi