睛尾新几内亚塘鳢 · Peacock Goby

Overview

Colorful Tateurndina ocellicauda suits planted communities of small peaceful fishes. Conspecific displays and minor territorial disputes are normal. Abundant cover encourages greater visibility rather than causing permanent concealment.

Distribution & habitat

It originates in Papua New Guinea, inhabiting eastern lowland streams, ponds, and rivers. Rainforest waters are typical, with fish forming loose groups.

Aquarium setup

At least about 45 cm of tank length and 41 L can accommodate two adult pairs. Additional territorial companions require more space. Slightly acidic, softer conditions and plentiful shelter are preferred; dark substrate and floating shade help coloration and confidence.

Provide wood and plant thickets. Bare aquariums tend to keep fish clustered around whatever cover remains. Maintain clean water without strong flow, and close lid gaps because it jumps well.

Diet & feeding

Dry preparations are usually accepted, but small live or frozen bloodworms, Daphnia, and Artemia are strongly preferred. These also support color and breeding condition.

Behaviour & compatibility

Appropriate small rainbowfishes, characins, rasboras, and bottom-dwelling catfishes are possible companions. Allow extra territory if other territorial fishes are included.

Small conspecific groups generally work. Most disputes consist of displays and fin spreading rather than substantial injury, with sufficient cover and separation still important.

Sexual dimorphism

Mature males are slightly larger, more colorful, and develop a prominent forehead hump. Females show yellow on the belly. In juveniles, most females have a dark outer anal-fin border absent from most males; this is a useful but imperfect clue.

Breeding

Reproduction is easy in suitable conditions. Provide caves; short tubes are convenient for transferring the spawning site. Six to eight juveniles can form pairs naturally. Condition them with live and frozen food and change about 20% of the water weekly.

A male displays at his cave entrance to a rounded female, sometimes nudging her inside. Eggs usually attach to the roof by fine threads. He then excludes her and fans the eggs. Remove other fish if the tank is being used for rearing, since accessible eggs can be eaten.

Hatching takes about 24–48 hours and ends paternal care. Give larvae separate quarters or remove adults. They swim freely after another two to four days and immediately take Artemia nauplii or microworms, making rearing relatively straightforward.

Notes

Despite the goby common name, it belongs to Eleotridae. A trade label alone should not determine family identification. Dense planting supplies useful daily cover as well as shelter around breeding sites.