Firetail Gudgeon 3cm

Firetail Gudgeon

The Firetail Gudgeon is one of Australia's underrated native fish species, perfectly suited for nano to mid-sized aquariums or native biotope setups. Found across eastern Australia in freshwater streams and creeks, this small but charismatic gudgeon is a peaceful and hardy species that can add both colour and interesting behaviour to a tank. Their active swimming style and bottom-to-mid water movement make them a lively addition to the native aquarium community.

True to their name, Firetail Gudgeons feature a subdued, olive-brown body contrasted with striking flashes of red and orange in the tail and rear fins. Males, especially during breeding season, can display even more intense colouration with added vertical barring and an iridescent shimmer across the flanks. Their compact body and subtle fin extensions give them a streamlined look, while their active and often curious nature makes them fun to watch as they dart between rocks and plants.

These gudgeons have been successfully bred in captivity and are relatively easy to maintain. Males can become territorial during breeding periods but generally coexist well in peaceful setups. Breeding occurs in a manner similar to other gudgeons. Females lay adhesive eggs on hard surfaces, which the males then guard until hatching.

Tank Recommendations for your Firetail Gudgeon

Being a small species that usually maxes out around 6-7 cm, the Firetail Gudgeon is perfect for aquariums starting at 40 litres for a small group. A sandy or fine gravel substrate with plenty of cover, including driftwood, plants, and stacked rocks, will help replicate their natural environment and reduce stress.

These fish appreciate moderate water flow, replicating the streams and shallow creeks they inhabit in the wild. Firetail Gudgeons do well in a broad range of water conditions (10-30°C), but thrive best in tropical freshwater setups with temperatures around 22-26°C and a pH range of 6.5-7.5.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Firetail Gudgeons are peaceful and social fish that rarely cause trouble with their tank mates. Their small size and gentle nature mean they should be kept with similarly sized and tempered species.

Usually Compatible

Pseudomugil rainbow, Pacific blue-eyes, native shrimp, pygmy perch, and small rainbowfish like Melanotaenia maccullochi.

Sometimes Compatible

Dwarf cichlids, small gouramis, and livebearers such as guppies may be suitable if water parameters match.

Rarely Compatible

Large, aggressive cichlids, predatory natives like barramundi, or fast, boisterous species that may stress or outcompete the gudgeon.

Feeding your Firetail Gudgeon

Firetail Gudgeons are omnivorous and will happily eat a range of rainbowfish foods in captivity. A staple diet of high-quality sinking pellets or granules can be offered alongside live or frozen treats such as brine shrimp, blackworms, or daphnia. Their active nature and smaller mouths make smaller food items ideal.