Hypseleotris compressa, commonly known as the Empire Gudgeon, is a small, colorful freshwater fish native to Australia and New Guinea, recognized for its striking coloration and adaptability to various water conditions.
Overview
Hypseleotris compressa, known as the Empire Gudgeon, is a small, vibrant species belonging to the Eleotridae family. Found in freshwater rivers and streams in Australia and New Guinea, this fish is known for its adaptability and striking appearance. The Empire Gudgeon can grow to a size of 7-9 cm (2.8-3.5 inches) and is particularly admired for the bright red and blue hues displayed by males during the breeding season. This species is relatively peaceful and suitable for community aquariums with other small, non-aggressive fish.
Tank Requirements
The Empire Gudgeon requires a tank size of at least 80 liters (20 gallons) to thrive. It prefers a temperature range of 22-28°C (72-82°F), a pH of 6.5-7.5, and general hardness (GH) between 5-12. A well-planted tank with ample hiding spots created by rocks, driftwood, and vegetation mimics their natural habitat and helps reduce stress. They are adaptable to various water conditions but prefer a clean, well-oxygenated environment with moderate water flow. Regular water changes and a good filtration system are crucial to maintaining water quality and health.
Feeding and Diet
Empire Gudgeons are omnivorous and have a varied diet. In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter. In an aquarium setting, they accept high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods like bloodworms, brine shrimp, and daphnia. To keep them in optimal health, it's important to provide a balanced diet that includes both protein-rich foods and plant matter. Supplementing their diet with live or frozen foods enhances their coloration and promotes natural foraging behavior.
Care and Maintenance
Caring for Hypseleotris compressa is relatively straightforward due to their hardy nature and adaptability. However, maintaining stable water conditions and regular water changes (20-30% weekly) is important to prevent the build-up of toxins. They are generally disease-resistant, but poor water quality can make them susceptible to common fish diseases like ich and fin rot. It’s important to monitor for any signs of stress or illness and address any water quality issues promptly.
Compatibility
Empire Gudgeons are peaceful and can be kept with a variety of similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. Ideal tank mates include other small, peaceful species like tetras, rasboras, and smaller gouramis. They can be territorial during breeding, particularly males, so providing plenty of hiding spaces and visual barriers can help reduce aggression. Avoid housing them with overly aggressive or large fish that might view them as prey.
Breeding
Breeding Hypseleotris compressa in captivity can be challenging but rewarding. During the breeding season, males become more colorful and may display more aggressive behavior. Spawning typically occurs in caves or under rocks, where the female lays eggs that the male guards until they hatch. To encourage breeding, provide a well-structured environment with plenty of hiding spots and ensure optimal water conditions. The fry are small and should be fed with infusoria or freshly hatched brine shrimp until they are large enough to accept larger foods.