Species profile
Empire Gudgeon
Hypseleotris compressa
Peaceful
Moderate care
150 L minimum aquarium
8–12 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 5
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Broadly eurytopic, but the amphidromous larval biology makes 'easy captive breeder' claims misleading.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
22–30 °C
pH
6–8
GH
4–20 dGH
KH
Not yet documented
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 5
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
Low
Predation risk
Small fry
Bioload factor
1.2
Generally peaceful social gudgeon. Mature males display strongly but a roomy structured aquarium allows a group to coexist.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
Yes
Cave breeder
No
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Yes
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
5–7 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
150 L
Minimum footprint
100 × 40 cm
Accepted scientific name
Hypseleotris compressa
Alternative names
Empire Gudgeon, Australian Empire Gudgeon
Native range
Northern and eastern Australia and southern New Guinea.
Natural habitat
Lower rivers, creeks, lagoons and estuarine-connected waters; juveniles may use brackish/estuarine habitat during their life cycle.
Diet & feeding
Small crustaceans, insect larvae and other invertebrates with some plant/algal material; accepts quality prepared foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Breeding males become intensely coloured; females are usually plainer and fuller-bodied.
Breeding
Eggs are attached to hard surfaces and guarded/fanned by the male. Larvae are extremely small and naturally pass through an amphidromous/estuarine phase, making full captive rearing difficult.