Peacock gudgeon

Behaviour and habits

The peacock gudgeon is a small, peaceful New Guinea fish with a beautiful pattern of blue-edged scales and a black-and-red-marked head, and it is full of character. It is a cave-spawner that pairs up and guards eggs in a flowerpot or pipe, and it hovers and darts about the lower levels of the tank rather than swimming far. Peaceful and easy, it suits a planted nano or small community tank and does best with cover and a mate.

What to feed, and how often

A carnivore that takes small meaty foods — frozen and live bloodworm, daphnia, brineshrimp and a fine sinking pellet. Feed once or twice a day in small amounts, and make sure it gets food rather than being out-competed by faster fish.

Water changes and maintenance

Change about 20–25% weekly in soft-to-neutral water, matched closely. It is hardy but prefers clean, stable water and dislikes sudden swings, and it does best in a planted tank with cover.

Care and how easy it is

A peaceful, easy nano fish; keep it in a pair or small group with caves, cover and gentle tankmates.

Common health problems

Hardy; fungal and bacterial problems appear mainly in poor water.

If it gets sick

Keep the water clean and stable, provide caves, and treat early if a fish shows fin damage or fungus.