Purple-spotted Gudgeon

The purple-spotted gudgeon is a colorful species from the "sleeper" family that lives in the fresh waters of northern Australia. Its brown-purple body is decorated with red, orange and blue spots; dark lines run back from the eye. In the aquarium it usually grows to 10–12 cm. It is an easy-to-keep species that tolerates hard water and temperature changes.

• At least 100 liters for a pair.
• Rocks, caves and roots; a hiding place for each individual.
• Moderately hard, slightly alkaline water; gentle flow.
• Dense plants reduce territorial fights.

Carnivorous. Bloodworms, brine shrimp, mysis, worms and small shrimp; it also gets used to sinking granules.

Territorial and aggressive toward males of its own species. It eats small fish and shrimp that fit in its mouth. It spawns in caves and the male guards the eggs.

Good companions: medium-sized species that can defend themselves and are too big to fit in its mouth: rainbowfish, medium-sized barbs, large tetras.

Avoid: small fish, shrimp, long-finned and slow species.