A stunning, robust Australian native fish known for its dark chocolate hues and vivid red, blue, and purple spots. Found in slow-moving creeks and billabongs, they are ambush predators. While generally peaceful with similarly sized or larger tank mates, they will eat any fish or invertebrate that fits into their surprisingly large mouths. They are capable jumpers and require a tight-fitting lid.
Purple Spotted Gudgeon At a Glance
Purple Spotted Gudgeon Tank Requirements
Will Purple Spotted Gudgeon fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Purple Spotted Gudgeon needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Purple Spotted Gudgeon against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Purple Spotted Gudgeon Water Parameters
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Purple Spotted Gudgeon Temperament & Compatibility
Purple Spotted Gudgeon Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
Typically sold as juveniles before sexual dimorphism is apparent. They are hardy and adaptable but must be kept with fish of similar or larger size to prevent predation.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Juvenile
Male
Males develop a more rounded, bulky head (nuchal hump) and display more intense colors, especially during breeding. They are fiercely territorial when guarding eggs and are intolerant of other males in small aquariums.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Breeding Male
Female
Females are slightly smaller with a rounder belly and a more sloped forehead. They are significantly less territorial than males and can be kept together peacefully.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Gudgeon
Purple Spotted Gudgeon Care Guide Summary
The Purple Spotted Gudgeon, scientifically known as Mogurnda adspersa, belongs to the Gobies & Gudgeons family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 12 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Purple Spotted Gudgeon requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 16°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 6.5–8 and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Purple Spotted 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.
Purple Spotted Gudgeon Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Purple Spotted Gudgeon, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level 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 smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels, 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.
Purple Spotted Gudgeon Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Purple Spotted Gudgeon is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Purple Spotted Gudgeon Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Purple Spotted Gudgeon.
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
Show 19 more tank sizes
Purple Spotted Gudgeon Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Purple Spotted Gudgeon is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided, 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.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Purple Spotted Gudgeon
How big does Purple Spotted Gudgeon get?
Purple Spotted Gudgeon (Mogurnda adspersa) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 12 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Purple Spotted Gudgeon need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 60 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Purple Spotted Gudgeon. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Purple Spotted Gudgeon need?
Purple Spotted Gudgeon thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 16–26°C, a pH between 6.5 and 8, and a general hardness of 8–20 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Purple Spotted Gudgeon peaceful or aggressive?
Purple Spotted Gudgeon is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Purple Spotted Gudgeon live alone?
Yes, Purple Spotted Gudgeon can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Purple Spotted Gudgeon safe with shrimp?
No. Purple Spotted 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 Purple Spotted Gudgeon have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Purple Spotted Gudgeon benefits from plants - densely covered, driftwood (digestion/hiding), and smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Purple Spotted Gudgeon need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Purple Spotted 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.
Plants That Suit Purple Spotted Gudgeon
These plants pair well with Purple Spotted Gudgeon based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Beckett's Water Trumpet
Cryptocoryne beckettii
Broad-leaved Crypt
Cryptocoryne pontederiifolia
Carolina Fanwort
Cabomba caroliniana
Fish Similar to Purple Spotted Gudgeon
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MacCulloch's Rainbowfish (Dwarf Rainbowfish)
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Pictus Catfish
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