Gudgeon Purple Spotted - Malanda 5cm

Purple Spotted Gudgeon - Malanda

 

The purple spotted gudgeon makes for an amazing rare, unique and oddball addition to a native Australian or community aquarium. These fish were once declared extinct in the wild but after a small population was rediscovered, they were bred in captivity and now be kept in the home aquarium. The purple spotted gudgeon remain at a relatively small size compared to other gudgeon species and are fairly easy to care for. Purple spotted gudgeons like a lot of other native Australian fish also have regional variants which is where the malanda gudgeons come from. They are adorable and inquisitive fish which are a great option for aquarists that have space constraints.

 

Purple spotted gudgeons get to a maximum size of around 15 cm, and have the classic elongated body shape and underbite that gudgeons are known for. Purple spotted gudgeons look absolutely stunning, they have such a perfect blend of colours that make them look super natural but also eye-catching. They have an olive-green to sandal body colour with shades of brown which is topped with an array of purple stripes and spots from head to tail. Surrounding the purple spots is a border of a sky blue which really highlights the gudgeon. When in breeding colours these fish are a true spectacle to see. Finally the purple spotted gudgeon have striking blue eyes that can move around individually giving them a chameleon look.

 

The purple spotted gudgeon are now being bred in captivity which is great as it reduces the capture of wild fish. Males tend to have 3 - 4 purple stripes on their cheek plates whereas females have two faded stripes. This species breeds very similar to cichlids where they will clean out a flat, secure surface. The female will then proceed to lay eggs which the male fans and guards until the eggs hatch.

 

Tank Recommendations for your Purple Spotted Gudgeon Malanda

These Malanda purple spotted gudgeon will get to a maximum length of around 15 cm and can be territorial to one another along with any other tank mates. Because of this it is best to keep these fish in an aquarium with a minimum volume of 150 litres. the aquarium should also have a decent profile because of their bottom dwelling nature.

 

Purple spotted gudgeon come from fairly shallow waterways with a lot of cover and botanical matter, this wild setting can be replicated in the aquarium with driftwood and rock caves. These fish will appreciate soft water parameters with the PH at around 6.0 - 7.0. This can be easily achieved through the use of a peat pouches in the filter or driftwood in the aquarium. The Purple spotted gudgeon does not have a high concern with substrate as they will be fine with either gravel or sand and will also be fine with plants. These are also a tropical fish which are best kept at 24 - 26 degrees.

 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The purple spotted gudgeon are considered to a semi-aggressive species due to their slight territorial behaviour. Though they show a lot of ambush predator behaviour, they should be fine with tank mates that are small enough to not be eaten.

 

Usually Compatible

Australian Bass, silver perch, Australian lungfish and larger rainbowfish species like Goyder river rainbows.

Sometimes Compatible

Giant danio, angelfish, acara and similar peaceful community fish.

 

Rarely Compatible

Small prey type species like danio, black widow tetras, and fish that do not meet the water parameters as the gudgeon like african cichlids.

 

Feeding your Purple Spotted Gudgeon - Malanda

These fish are carnivores that will prefer a meaty diet. They can easily be fed pellets but will also prefer additional supplementation of prawns, pieces of fish and similar foods. Because of their bottom dwelling nature, it is easy for the gudgeon to be outcompeted by tank mates higher in the water column so this should be accounted for.