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Empire Gudgeon
Hypseleotris compressa
Animalia›Chordata›Actinopterygii›Eleotridae
📍 Eastern Australia & New Guinea
Small gudgeon with striking red-orange fins and a blue-green iridescent body. Comes from cool-water streams so prefers lower temperatures. Can be kept in a subtropicaltank.
Care Guide
Diet
Empire Gudgeons are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet of high-quality flake food, small pellets, and frozen foods like brine shrimp and daphnia. Feed small portions once daily, offering only what they can consume in 2-3 minutes. Occasional vegetable matter such as blanched spinach or algae wafers supports digestive health.
Behavior
Empire Gudgeons are peaceful, bottom-dwelling fish that spend much of their time exploring substrate and mid-water areas. They are generally shy and benefit from plenty of hiding spots, becoming more active and confident in well-planted tanks. They may exhibit mild territorial behavior toward other gudgeons but are otherwise non-aggressive.
Breeding
Breeding Empire Gudgeons in captivity is possible but requires specific conditions including cooler water temperatures (18-22°C), dense vegetation, and caves or PVC pipes for spawning sites. Males guard eggs and fry, making them somewhat easier to breed than many gudgeons. Fry are tiny and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially before graduating to micro foods.
Tank Mates
Similar peaceful temperament and preference for cool, planted tanks with low bioload
Small, peaceful schooling fish that occupy different water zones and share similar water parameters
Tiny, gentle danios that thrive in cool water and planted environments without competing for space
Peaceful invertebrates that occupy different ecological niches and benefit from similar planted tank setup
Hardy plant that provides shelter and won't be uprooted by gudgeon activity
Cool-water fish with peaceful demeanor and similar temperature requirements to Empire Gudgeons
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, flashing against objects
Raise temperature gradually to 26-28°C, perform 25% water changes daily, use aquarium salt (1 teaspoon per 5 gallons) or commercial ich treatment; maintain for 10-14 days
Fin Rot
Frayed or deteriorating fin edges, discoloration at fin margins, lethargy
Perform 25% water change, improve water quality and reduce stress, use antibacterial medication if severe; ensure good filtration and avoid sharp decorations
Bacterial Infection
Open sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, unusual coloration or patches
Isolate affected fish, perform frequent water changes, use broad-spectrum antibiotic treatment; maintain pristine water conditions and reduce stressors
Parasitic Infection (Flukes/Worms)
Excessive scratching, clamped fins, weight loss, visible parasites on gills
Use anti-parasitic medication designed for freshwater fish; perform water changes and improve tank hygiene; quarantine new fish before introduction
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Quick Facts
- pH
- 6.5–7.5
- diet
- omnivore
- maxSize
- 4 inches
- minTankSize
- 20 gallons
- temperature
- 64–79°F (18–26°C)
Temperature
64–79°F
18–26°C