Empire Gudgeon Goby

Empire Gudgeon Goby (Hypseleotris compressa)

The Empire Gudgeon Goby is a stunning, colorful freshwater fish with a slender body and striking fins. These gobies display a captivating mix of iridescent blue, red, and yellow colors. Males have more vivid colors and elongated dorsal fins, making them particularly attractive.

Their peaceful demeanor and manageable size of around 4 inches make them great additions to a community aquarium. Good tankmates in freshwater aquariums could include rainbowfish, medium-sized peaceful barbs or tetras, or livebearing species such as platies or swordtails. However, tiny fish may be mistaken as food for the Empire Gudgeon Goby. They display their optimal color and social behavior in groups of 6 to 8 or more, although a pair is better suited for smaller aquariums.

Empire Gudgeon Gobies are omnivorous and will accept a variety of foods, including flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms. They should be fed a high-protein balanced diet to ensure proper nutrition and maintain their vibrant colors.

A well-planted tank with a soft sandy substrate is ideal for these gobies. Provide plenty of hiding spots with obstructed lines of sight using driftwood, rocks, and aquatic plants to mimic their natural environment.

A minimum tank size of 30 gallons is recommended. The aquarium should have a gentle water flow; regular water changes are crucial to maintaining water quality.

Empire Gudgeon Gobies thrive in slightly acidic to neutral water conditions, with a pH of 6.0-8.5, hardness of 12-25 dGH, and a temperature range of 68-79°F (20-26°C).