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