Empire Gudgeon

Hypseleotris compressa is one of Eastern Australia's most beautiful native fish and arguably the most popular Australian gudgeon in the aquarium hobby. Outside of breeding season, males are attractively marked in orange and brown with iridescent scales, but when spawning condition is reached, dominant males undergo a dramatic colour transformation: the entire body flushes deep orange to scarlet red, while the edges of the dorsal, anal, and caudal fins light up in brilliant electric blue. Females and sub-dominant males remain more modestly coloured. This amphidromous species inhabits the lower reaches of rivers, streams, and estuaries of eastern Australia, tolerating a broad range of conditions. In the aquarium it is peaceful, hardy, and accepts a wide variety of foods, making it an excellent choice for a native Australian species display.

Water: 18–28 °C, pH 6.8–7.8, GH 5–18, KH 3–12; adaptable; slightly cooler water in winter may stimulate breeding. Tank: 100 L minimum; mixed substrate of sand and gravel; driftwood, smooth stones, and leaf litter for cover. Feeding: Omnivore; frozen bloodworm, daphnia, brine shrimp, small sinking pellets, and occasional flake accepted. Breeding: Amphidromous; eggs broadcast over plants or substrate; males guard; larvae require brackish water in nature. Compatibility: Peaceful; excellent with Australian rainbowfish, other gudgeons, and small tetras or danionids.