Flathead Gudgeon

Philypnodon grandiceps is a small, dorsoventrally flattened sleeper goby endemic to southeastern Australia, found in rivers, streams, and wetlands of the Murray-Darling basin and coastal river systems of Victoria and New South Wales. True to its common name, it has an exceptionally broad, flat head relative to its body, with large upward-facing eyes that give it an almost frog-like appearance when viewed from above. The cryptic brown and cream mottled pattern allows it to disappear against gravel, leaf litter, and sandy substrate. It is a patient, sit-and-wait predator that feeds on small invertebrates, tadpoles, and small fish. In the aquarium it is hardy and easy to feed once established. It is best maintained in cool water without heating and makes an excellent display fish for an Australian native biotope with leaf litter and smooth river stones.

Water: 15–24 °C, pH 6.8–7.8, GH 5–18, KH 3–12; cool, well-oxygenated water; unheated tanks suitable. Tank: 80 L minimum; sand or fine gravel with leaf litter, flat pebbles, and smooth rocks; low to moderate flow. Feeding: Carnivore; frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, small insects, and high-quality small sinking pellets. Breeding: Cave spawner; eggs laid under flat stones; male guards; larvae may need cooler conditions. Compatibility: Predatory toward small fish and invertebrates; best with similarly sized cool-water species.