Care Level: Moderate

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Empire Gudgeon, also sold under Empire Goby, are endemic to streams and estuaries of northeastern Australia and Papua New Guinea. Adult male Empire gudgeons are a vibrant orange; females are not typically offered, but they are much less colorful than males. Empire gudgeons are social and would appreciate a mixed sex group of at least 6 individuals, but more are encouraged. At the very least, a male-female pair can be successfully kept in a small aquarium. Males can posture at each other, but typically will not fight to any length if the aquarium is spacious enough with ample decor and hiding places. An adult Empire gudgeon can reach a size of approximately 4.5″.

Diet Requirements: Empire gudgeons are carnivores. A diet made up of high quality frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia should be offered. Less emphasis should be placed on protein-based flake foods and sinking micro pellet foods. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: A minimum 30 gallon aquarium is ideal for a pair of Empire Gudgeons. A sizable group (6+ individuals) will require more space to accomodate them all. A tight fitting lid is needed as Empire gudgeons have been observed to jump out from time to time, typically while they’re settling in after being introduced. This species should not be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Empire gudgeons are intolerable of nitrite or ammonia spikes, and will not endure deteriorating water parameters well. Weekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters favorable (Nitrates < 20 ppm). Empire gudgeons require efficient filtration, but do not like excessively water flow. This may be best achieved by the use of a sponge filter. The aquarium should be aquascaped with a darker substrate, rocks, driftwood and vegetation (live plants are preferred) with some floating plants to dim the aquarium lighting. Empire gudgeons are extremely peaceful and rarely conflict with tank mates. Mix Empire gudgeons with other typical peaceful community-type tank mates in larger set-ups; avoid overly rambunctious, competitive, or semi-aggressive species. Empire gudgeons, as they grow in size, may be questionable with Neocaridina shrimps and small species of nano-fish. Recommended water conditions, 72-76° F, KH 5-10, pH 6.5-7.5.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2” to 2″

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.