Gudgeon Purple Spotted - Northen 5cm

Gudgeon Purple Spotted - Northen
 

The purple-spotted gudgeon makes for an amazing rare, unique, and oddball addition to a native Australian or oddball aquarium. Being a close relative of the near-extinct southern purple spotted gudgeon, this species is identical in care requirements but just sports a mildly different aesthetic. These fish remain relatively small compared to most predator fish and are fairly easy to care for. They are almost like small predator fish making them a great option for aquarists that have space constraints but still want to keep an interstice predator species.

Northern 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 stunning, they have such a perfect blend of colors that make them look super natural but also eye-catching. They have an olive-green to sandal body color 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 sky-blue border that highlights the gudgeon. When in breeding colors these fish are a true spectacle to see. Finally, the purple spotted gudgeon has striking blue eyes that can move around individually giving them a chameleon look. 

The purple-spotted gudgeon is 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

These purple spotted gudgeons 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 200 liters. the aquarium should also have a decent profile because of its bottom-dwelling nature. 

Purple spotted gudgeons 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 peat pouches in the filter or driftwood in the aquarium. The Purple spotted gudgeon does not have a high concern with the substrate as they will be fine with either gravel or sand and will also be fine with plants. These are also tropical fish that are best kept at 24 - 26 degrees. 

Suitable Tank Buddies

The northern purple spotted gudgeon is considered to be a semi-aggressive species due to its slight territorial behavior. Though they show a lot of ambush predator behavior, they should be fine with tank mates that are small enough to 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 Northern Purple Spotted Gudgeon

These fish are carnivores that will prefer a meaty diet. They can easily be fed pellets but also prefer additional supplementation of prawns, 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 like Saratoga so this should be accounted for.