Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Peaceful
Live Plant Safe: Yes
General Description: The Peacock Gudgeon, also sold under Peacock Goby, is endemic to streams, ponds and rivers of Papua New Guinea but a large proportion of individuals within the aquarium trade are tank-raised. Peacock gudgeons are well known for their beautiful neon blue and red vertical striped patterning. Male Peacock gudgeons can be slightly more colorful than females, especially during spawning behavior, but most notably will develop more pointed dorsal and anal fins. Female Peacock gudgeons will typically have a black edge on their dorsal and anal fins, a trait males do not have. Peacock gudgeons are social and would do best in a mixed sex group of at least 6 individuals, but more are encouraged. At the very least, a male-female pair can be successfully kept in a small aquarium. Males can posture at each other, but typically will not fight to any length if the aquarium is spacious enough with ample decor and hiding places. In the proper environment, Peacock gudgeons have been observed to readily spawn in the home aquarium with little intervention. An adult Peacock gudgeon can reach a size of approximately 1.5″.
Diet Requirements: Peacock gudgeons are carnivores. A diet made up of high quality frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia should be offered. Less emphasis should be placed on protein-based flake foods and sinking micro pellet foods. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: A minimum 15 gallon aquarium is ideal for a pair of Peacock Gudgeons. A sizable group (6+ individuals) will require more space to accomodate them all. A tight fitting lid is needed as Peacock gudgeons have been observed to jump out from time to time, typically while they’re settling in after being introduced. This species should not be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Peacock gudgeons are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes, and will not endure deteriorating water parameters well. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 20 ppm). Peacock gudgeons require efficient filtration, but do not like excessively water flow. This may be best achieved by the use of a sponge filter. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a darker substrate, rocks, driftwood and vegetation (live plants are preferred) with some floating plants to dim the aquarium lighting. Peacock gudgeons are extremely peaceful and rarely conflict with tank mates. Mix Peacock gudgeons with other peaceful nano-type species such as Celestial Pearl Danio (Danio margaritatus), Neon Blue Danio (Sundadanio axelrodi), Exclamation Point Rasbora (Boraras urophthalmoides), Chili Rasbora (Boraras brigittae), and Pygmy Cory (Corydoras pygmaeus) in small aquariums. Peacock gudgeons can otherwise be mixed with typical peaceful community-type tank mates in larger set-ups; avoid overly rambunctious, competitive, or semi-aggressive species. Peacock gudgeons may be questionable with Neocaridina shrimps but are not a threat to any other invertebrate. Recommended water conditions, 72-82° F, KH 5-10, pH 6.5-7.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
