{"product_id":"empire-gudgeon","title":"Empire Gudgeon (Pairs)","description":"\u003ch3 class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer\"\u003eAbout the Empire Gudgeon\u003cspan class=\"PDq2pG_selectionAnchor\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Empire Gudgeon is one of Australia's most colourful native freshwater fish, admired for its iridescent blue-green body, golden highlights, and brilliant orange to red fin margins. Native to the rivers and streams of northern and eastern Australia, this peaceful species has become increasingly popular among aquarists looking to showcase Australian native fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmpire Gudgeons thrive in well-planted aquariums with driftwood, rocks, and plenty of shaded areas. Males develop the most vibrant colours during breeding, displaying brilliant metallic blues and greens that rival many tropical species. While generally peaceful, they can become mildly territorial when spawning, particularly around caves and nesting sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species is best kept in pairs or small groups and mixes well with other Australian natives and peaceful tropical fish of a similar size. A varied diet of quality micro pellets, frozen bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, insect larvae, and live foods will keep them healthy while enhancing their spectacular colouration.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith their fascinating behaviour, hardy nature, and stunning appearance, Empire Gudgeons are an outstanding choice for both native and planted freshwater aquariums.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eHypseleotris compressa\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEmpire Gudgeon\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eOrigin\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNorthern and Eastern Australia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eAdult Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8–10 cm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperament\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeaceful with mild territorial behaviour during breeding\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDiet\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCarnivore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e80 Litres\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eTemperature\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e22–28°C\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003epH\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6.5–8.0\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eWater Hardness\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5–20 dGH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBeginner to Intermediate\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eLifespan\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5–8 Years\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAustralian native aquariums and peaceful community tanks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Empire Gudgeons suitable for beginners?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They are hardy and relatively easy to care for, making them an excellent Australian native species for both beginner and experienced aquarists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat do Empire Gudgeons eat?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThey readily accept quality sinking pellets, frozen bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, insect larvae, and other protein-rich foods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Empire Gudgeons live with shrimp?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLarge shrimp may coexist, but smaller shrimp and shrimplets are likely to become food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan multiple Empire Gudgeons be kept together?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. They do well in pairs or small groups provided the aquarium contains plenty of hiding places and territories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Empire Gudgeons breed in aquariums?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. Males will establish territories and guard eggs laid inside caves or other sheltered spawning sites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommon Mistakes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNot providing enough hiding places\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDriftwood, caves, rocks, and dense plants help reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHousing with aggressive fish\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose peaceful tank mates that won't outcompete or bully these native fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFeeding only dry foods\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA varied diet including frozen and live foods helps maintain vibrant colours and breeding condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003ePoor water quality\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStable water conditions and regular maintenance are essential for long-term health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eKeeping them with very small fish\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough generally peaceful, they may consume tiny fish or invertebrates that fit into their mouths.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Apex Aquatic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48853880537227,"sku":null,"price":30.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0579\/8353\/3195\/files\/qZngtZGn_Iv-Da_lLu_7bAu2eIsE74Uwji1nm35ro63VVAOxpZib3MxzWI4uc_HShScDLpaOtk-3btvFeeNSF9AwoYC-9xRujQrA_GO64HEJ2FHtPnuZ_E7AzqdnWV4b_re5tBZQKnMzYPqvAZGQqoV-Mt0tW1PbEjnT_AT_WShOMpkRnY5ktMf.jpg?v=1785911164","url":"https:\/\/apexaquatic.com.au\/products\/empire-gudgeon","provider":"Apex Aquatic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}