Purple-spotted Gudgeon

Mogurnda mogurnda is arguably one of the most spectacular freshwater fish native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. Its cream to pale-yellow body is densely covered with bright purple-red spots that intensify in colour during spawning, creating a truly striking display. It is a bottom-dwelling predator that inhabits slow-moving to moderately fast rivers, floodplain billabongs, and coastal streams across northern Australia and New Guinea lowlands. In the aquarium it is hardy and undemanding, accepting a wide range of foods and tolerating variable water conditions provided extremes are avoided. It is a dedicated cave spawner, with males guarding the egg clutch aggressively. Pairs should be closely monitored, as males can be rough with females outside of spawning season. This species is an excellent ambassador for Australian native fish in the hobby.

Water: 20–28 °C, pH 6.5–7.8, GH 5–18, KH 3–12; adaptable; avoid temperature extremes. Tank: 120 L minimum; caves (PVC pipes, coconut halves, terracotta pots) essential; sand or fine gravel substrate. Feeding: Carnivore; frozen bloodworm, prawns, small fish, earthworms, and sinking pellets. Breeding: Cave spawner; male guards eggs aggressively; separate female after spawning if harassment occurs. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; best with similarly sized robust fish; will eat small fish and invertebrates.