Fishician®Diet
Omnivore – sinking pellets, quality flake, frozen brine shrimp, bloodworms; eats small invertebrates
Aquarium species profile
Empire Gudgeon
Hypseleotris compressa · Australia (Eastern coast river systems, Queensland to NSW)
Minimum tank30 gal
Adult size4"
Care levelEasy
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature59–79°F
pH range6.5–7.5
Compatible tank mates
Rainbowfish, Australian natives, peaceful medium fish, loaches
Tank mates to avoid
Very small fish (will eat), conspecific males during breeding (extremely territorial)
Care notes
One of Australia's most colorful native fish. Males in breeding color display vivid red-orange sides with electric blue markings. Bottom-to-mid dweller. Males highly territorial with each other — one male per tank or very large tank. Hardy cool-to-warm water range. Good for Australian native biotope tanks.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.