A remarkably adaptable and beautifully colored sleeper goby (not a true goby) native to Australia and New Guinea. They inhabit both pure freshwater streams and brackish estuaries. While generally peaceful and excellent community fish, they are micropredators that will happily consume dwarf shrimp and very small fry.
At a Glance
Tank Requirements
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Water Parameters
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Temperament & Compatibility
Available Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
Juveniles or unsexed individuals commonly sold in stores. They display a subtle, earthy, silvery-brown coloration before reaching sexual maturity.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Juvenile
Male
Mature males develop spectacular, vibrant red, orange, and black bands on their dorsal and anal fins, especially when displaying to females or rival males. Mildly territorial with other males.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Breeding Male, Show Male
Female
Slightly smaller than males and maintains a more cryptic, silvery-brown coloration year-round. Highly peaceful and can be kept in groups to diffuse male attention.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Gudgeon
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🟢Ideal Tank MatesEmpire Gudgeon Care Guide Summary
The Empire Gudgeon, scientifically known as Hypseleotris compressa, belongs to the Gobies & Gudgeons family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 12 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Empire Gudgeon requires a brackish tolerant aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 20°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8.5 and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred. An aquarium test kit can help you monitor these values.
Due to its specialist needs, the Empire Gudgeon is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard / Unsexed, Male, and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Empire Gudgeon Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Empire Gudgeon, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour, driftwood, which can serve as both a hiding place and a dietary supplement, and dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper. Browse aquarium sand substrate options to find the best fit.
Empire Gudgeon Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Empire Gudgeon is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Empire Gudgeon.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
Empire Gudgeon Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Empire Gudgeon will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed. Find quality Empire Gudgeon fish food for this species.
Frequently Asked Questions About Empire Gudgeon
How big does Empire Gudgeon get?
Empire Gudgeon (Hypseleotris compressa) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 12 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Empire Gudgeon need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Empire Gudgeon. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Empire Gudgeon need?
Empire Gudgeon thrives in brackish tolerant conditions with a temperature range of 20–28°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8.5, and a general hardness of 5–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Empire Gudgeon peaceful or aggressive?
Empire Gudgeon is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 3 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Empire Gudgeon live alone?
Yes, Empire Gudgeon can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Empire Gudgeon safe with shrimp?
No. Empire Gudgeon is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Empire Gudgeon have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Empire Gudgeon benefits from plants - densely covered, driftwood (digestion/hiding), and sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Empire Gudgeon need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Empire Gudgeon is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Similar Species
Peacock Gudgeon
Tateurndina ocellicauda
A stunning, peaceful freshwater sleeper goby from Papua New Guinea. Known for their vibrant blue, red, and yellow colors, they are excellent nano-tank inhabitants. They are not true gobies (they lack fused pelvic fins) and are exclusively freshwater. They prefer slow-moving water, dense vegetation, and small caves (like PVC pipes or smooth stones) for spawning.
Knight Goby
Stigmatogobius sadanundio
A distinct, high-bodied goby found in estuaries across South Asia. Unlike most bottom-dwelling gobies, the Knight Goby frequently hovers in the water column. While often sold as freshwater fish, they thrive best in slightly brackish water (SG 1.003-1.005) or very hard, alkaline freshwater. They are territorial and notorious fin-nippers, making them poor tankmates for Guppies or Bettas.
Neon Blue Goby
Stiphodon atropurpureus
A stunning, specialized freshwater goby native to fast-flowing hill streams in Asia. Males display brilliant neon blue metallic coloration, while females are striped. They are specialized biofilm grazers ('Aufwuchs' eaters) and require mature tanks with established algae/biofilm stones. They are obligate stream dwellers requiring high oxygen and strong flow.
Dwarf Gourami
Trichogaster lalius
A peaceful to semi-aggressive labyrinth fish native to South Asia. Famous for their brilliant metallic blue and red stripes. While generally suitable for community tanks, males are territorial toward each other and similar-looking fish. They are sensitive to water quality and prone to Iridovirus if stressed. Requires access to the surface to breathe.
Mbu Puffer
Tetraodon mbu
The largest freshwater pufferfish in the world, originating from the Congo River. Known for their 'puppy-like' intelligence and personality, they recognize owners and interact with them. However, they grow to massive sizes and possess a beak capable of crushing hard-shelled invertebrates. Unlike many puffers, they are true freshwater fish and do not need salt. They require massive filtration and a diet of hard foods (clams, snails) to keep their teeth trimmed.
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
A small, peaceful, and highly popular algae-eating catfish native to South America. They are obligate shoaling fish that thrive in mature, heavily planted aquariums with steady water parameters and a constant supply of soft green algae and biofilm. They are extremely sensitive to uncycled or pristine/new tanks without natural food sources.