Empire Gudgeon
Empire Gudgeon
Empire Gudgeon (Hypseleotris compressa) is a larger and more robust Australian gudgeon than the Peacock, reaching up to 5 inches. Males develop vivid red to orange-red fin coloration and a warm, brownish-gold body with iridescent blue-green scale highlights during breeding condition. A bold, active fish with genuine presence.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Micro Pellets and Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes make excellent daily staples. Supplement with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms and Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp 2–3 times per week.
Native to rivers and coastal streams of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia, and possibly Papua New Guinea. Inhabits clear, well-oxygenated streams with rocky substrate and good flow. An amphidromous species — larvae drift downstream to coastal/marine areas before migrating back.
Keep in groups. Males are territorial with each other but manageable in larger aquariums. Compatible with other medium-sized, peaceful community fish that share similar water requirements.
A rewarding Australian native fish with striking coloration that is still underappreciated in the hobby. The vivid red-orange breeding fin coloration of males is spectacular.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — males territorial |
| Typical Adult Size | 5.0 inches (12.5 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 3 minimum |
| Ideal Temp | 68–79°F (20–26°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.0–8.0 |
| Ideal GH | 5–18 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 3–10 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Micro Pellets; Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Bloodworms; Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Queensland and New South Wales, Australia |
| Notes | Australian native. Male vivid red-orange fin coloration in breeding condition. Amphidromous — larvae require marine conditions in wild. Iridescent scale highlights. |
