Breeding Peacock Gudgeon (Tateurndina Ocellicauda) In The Aquarium

Peacock Gudgeon, Peacock Goby, Eye-Spot Sleeper, Spotted Gudgeon, Ocellated Gudgeon

Distribution

A freshwater species, endemic, which in natural conditions inhabits rivers, ponds, streams in the eastern part of Papua New Guinea. It occurs in loose groups.

External Appearance

This fish is characterized by a torpedo-shaped body, which is colored blue, with a yellowish belly. Red spots appear all over the body and fins, creating irregular, interrupted lines - on the sides, dorsal and anal fins they are vertical, on the head, below the eyes are horizontal, on the tail fin they spread radially from its base. All fins have a rather wide, yellow margin, in most females additionally bordered in black. The fish has a characteristic dark spot at the base of its tail, outlined in yellow, two dorsal fins, and a rounded caudal fin. The male can be recognized by a frontal lump, which appears in him after reaching sexual maturity. It is also slightly larger, more brightly colored, and slimmer, especially during the breeding season.

Disposition

The colorful checkered rainbows are somewhat territorial in relation to their own species. During the spawning period, the fish becomes temperamental and more aggressive - especially in too small aquariums, however, the fish do not harm each other. It feels better in a species aquarium than in a community one. In the second case, it may hide for most of the time in available nooks or lose colors when stressed. If we decide on company, they should be calm and small species, preferably from Papua New Guinea. This species prefers the lower parts of the water in the aquarium.

Aquarium

This species prefers tanks with numerous hiding places among plants, caves, and roots, with diffused lighting thanks to the use of floating plants and pieces of wood. The dark substrate additionally allows observing the amazing colors of this fish. The water flow should be moderate. These fish are very sensitive to water quality - necessary systematic water changes and an effective filter are necessary. The tank needs to be covered - the fish are good jumpers.

Reproduction

Oviparous fish, which reproduces quite easily in the main aquarium. However, caves, grottoes, or ceramic pipes imitating them are necessary for this purpose. Pairs are chosen by themselves from a larger herd. We encourage the fish to spawn by feeding them more live food and changing the water more often to softer and acidic. The male chooses a hiding place and lures the female by shaking its fins, which beautifully shimmer. When the female is within his reach, he tries hard to "push" her into the cave, brushing her sideways in the direction of the entrance to the hiding place. The encouraged female enters the shelter and spawning occurs. The eggs are usually laid on the roof of the cave or pipe. After the eggs are laid, the female is chased away and the male takes full responsibility for the eggs. He takes care of their proper oxygenation necessary for proper development and picks and removes spoiled or dead grains. During this time he does not eat. The larvae hatch after 5-7 days and have to cope on their own. It is best to then move the hiding place with the larvae to a separate aquarium, as if left in the main one they will certainly be eaten. After another 2 days, the fry freely swim in search of food.