Southern purplespotted gudgeon

Mogurnda adspersa

A robust sleeper with red spots and dark flank blotches.

Brownish-grey to yellow-brown with small red and pale spots, a row of darker blotches and sometimes blue iridescence. The first dorsal is lower and the pelvic fins are separate.

Adult length: Up to 12 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 16–20 °C
Lifespan: 5–7 years
Hardness: 10–20 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits slow or still water in rivers, creeks and billabongs, often over rocks and among vegetation.

Natural prey includes small fish and shrimp. Some northern populations are a separate undescribed species.

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Appearance and identification

Compared with the peacock gudgeon, it is more robust and has a row of flank blotches rather than the conspicuous single tail eyespot. Similar Mogurnda still need checking by locality and anatomy.

Floor and movement space

Use stable wood, rocks and plant cover with accessible bottom space. Reaches 12 cm SL, so plan beyond retail juveniles.

Aquarium environment

Lives in vegetated slow or still water, so use plant cover. Plants do not make small tankmates safe.

Diet and feeding

Eats insect larvae, worms, shrimp, small fish and small crayfish. Offer varied suitable animal foods; live fish are not required.

Same-species behaviour

Males guard and fan eggs on rocks, wood or broad leaves. Leave retreats around nesting sites and watch pursuit and feeding access.

Compatibility limits

Very small fish and shrimp may be eaten. Consider mouth size, adult size and nest defence, not just water overlap.

Sources

fishesofaustralia.net.au ↗ 2026-10-22