Empire gudgeon

Hypseleotris compressa

Displaying males have a red belly and layered dark-and-pale fin borders.

Male display colour reddens the lower head and belly, with a dark shoulder mark and contrasting dorsal and anal borders. Females and resting fish are plainer. The pelvic fins are separate.

Length and basis: Source maximum about 12 cm SL · typical adult range unknown
Reference temperature: Unknown
Captive lifespan: Unknown (no verified lifespan adopted)
pH: Unknown
Hardness: Unknown

Freshwater adults do not imply freshwater larval development. Broad tolerance reports are not routine care targets.

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Appearance and identification

Compared with the peacock gudgeon, this species is deeper and laterally compressed, without its blue-red spot pattern and tail eyespot. Both may swim above the bottom; this comparison does not endorse keeping them together.

Floor and movement space

Combine planted or woody margins with open swimming room. Allow for adult growth beyond retail juveniles; a universal minimum footprint and group size remain unverified.

Aquarium environment

Plants can provide cover while leaving open swimming areas. Plant damage and shrimp losses are not quantified.

Diet and feeding

Natural foods include small crustaceans, aquatic insects and larvae, with some algae. Offer varied suitable food and check acceptance.

Same-species behaviour

Watch display and nest-site competition, providing retreats and checking feeding access. Off-bottom swimming is not persistent schooling.

Compatibility limits

The crustacean diet prevents a shrimp-safe claim. Assess size, feeding competition and territorial behaviour separately from water values.

Measurement notes and sources

The source maximum is standard length, not illustrated total length. Retail juvenile size is not an adult range.

fishesofaustralia.net.au ↗ 2026-10-22