All fish / Eleotridae

Empire Gudgeon

Hypseleotris compressa

Also known as empire gudgeon, empire carp gudgeon, carp gudgeon, hypseleotris, 帝王塘鳢

This Australian sleeper goby has a slim, slightly compressed body. Breeding males turn bright orange and red, with blue and black edges on the dorsal and anal fins and a raised hump behind the head. People keep it for that strong male colour and the lively displays between males in a planted tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

8 cm

Temperature

20 to 28 °C

pH

6.5 to 8

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more, with more females than males

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia, plus good quality pellets once accepted

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

3 to 5 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Eastern and northern Australia and southern New Guinea coastal drainages

Breeding

Pairs lay adhesive eggs on hard surfaces, and the male guards them until they hatch. The larvae are very small and in the wild probably drift into brackish estuaries, so raising them in captivity is difficult and seldom done.

Good to know

Males squabble over territory, and the fish may eat very small tankmates or shrimp. Take care when importing native Australian fish, as some states and countries have rules on moving or releasing them.