Hypseleotris compressa

The Empire Gudgeon, also known as the Australian Gudgeon, is a wonderfully vibrant fish that brings color and activity to the home aquarium. Its most striking feature is the brilliant red and blue coloration that males display, especially when trying to impress females or establish their spot in the tank. They are social creatures and should be kept in a group to feel secure; a lone gudgeon will be stressed and shy. While not overly aggressive, males can be territorial with one another, so it's important to provide them with enough space and decorations like plants or wood to create their own little zones.

For feeding, they are a beginner's dream, as they are not picky and will eagerly accept a wide variety of common aquarium foods, from flakes and pellets to the occasional treat of frozen or live food. These fish are active swimmers, mostly occupying the middle and bottom areas of the tank. One crucial thing to know is that they are known jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid on the aquarium is absolutely necessary to keep them safe. Due to their moderate needs and territorial nature, they are best suited for an aquarist who has a little experience or is willing to pay close attention to the tank's social dynamics. They aren't a difficult fish, but they require a bit more thought than some common beginner species.