Firetail Gudgeon 2-4cm

Description

Firetail Gudgeon (Hypseleotris galii)

An underrated Australian native with a vibrant splash of colour, the Firetail Gudgeon is a peaceful freshwater fish recognised for its shimmering silver body and brilliant orange-red tail. Hardy, active and full of character, this beautiful species is ideal for native aquariums and peaceful community setups.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Hypseleotris galii
  • Common name: Firetail Gudgeon
  • Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm
  • Adult size: 6–8 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟒 Beginner to Intermediate
  • Temperament: Peaceful
  • Best kept: In groups of 5 or more

Is this for you?

βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

  • You want to keep Australian native fish.
  • You enjoy peaceful community aquariums.
  • You appreciate active fish with natural colours.
  • You have a planted aquarium with open swimming space.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep aggressive or predatory fish.
  • Your aquarium has poor water quality.
  • You intend to keep only a single specimen.
  • Your aquarium has very strong water currents.

Why choose the Firetail Gudgeon?

Native to eastern Australia, the Firetail Gudgeon is a hardy and attractive species found in slow-moving rivers, streams and billabongs. Its shimmering silver body is beautifully complemented by a vivid orange to red tail that becomes even more intense as the fish matures.

Firetail Gudgeons are peaceful by nature and spend much of their time exploring the middle and lower areas of the aquarium. They are constantly active without being aggressive, making them excellent companions for other Australian natives and peaceful tropical fish.

Their adaptability, attractive appearance and engaging behaviour make them an excellent choice for aquarists wanting something a little different from the more commonly available community fish.

Benefits

  • Beautiful fiery orange-red tail
  • Peaceful Australian native species
  • Active and entertaining behaviour
  • Suitable for planted community aquariums
  • Hardy and adaptable
  • Excellent choice for native biotope aquariums

Care made simple

  • Temperature: 20–26Β°C
  • pH: 6.5–7.8
  • Diet: Quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and live foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle to moderate water movement
  • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
  • Setup: Driftwood, rocks, aquatic plants and open swimming areas
  • Keep in groups to encourage natural behaviour and confidence.
  • Perform regular water changes to maintain excellent health and colour.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Empire Gudgeons
  • Pacific Blue Eyes
  • Australian Smelt
  • Rainbowfish
  • Corydoras
NTA Insight:
Firetail Gudgeons are one of Australia's hidden gems. They remain peaceful, display beautiful natural colours and are far hardier than many people expect. Their vibrant tail colour develops best in mature aquariums with high-quality foods and clean water. Keeping them in small groups helps reduce stress and encourages more natural interactions.

FAQ

How large do Firetail Gudgeons grow?

Adults typically reach between 6 and 8 cm, making them an excellent medium-sized community fish.

Are Firetail Gudgeons aggressive?

No. They are peaceful fish that coexist well with other similarly sized community species.

Can they live with shrimp?

Larger shrimp are generally safe, but very small shrimplets may be eaten, so a dedicated shrimp aquarium is recommended if breeding shrimp.

Do they need to be kept in groups?

Yes. Keeping five or more individuals helps them feel secure and encourages more natural behaviour.

Can they be kept in unheated aquariums?

In many parts of Australia they can be kept in unheated indoor aquariums, provided temperatures remain within their preferred range and do not fluctuate dramatically.

Do Firetail Gudgeons breed in aquariums?

Yes. They may spawn in caves or among dense vegetation, although raising the fry requires separate care and suitable first foods.

How long do Firetail Gudgeons live?

With excellent care and stable water conditions, they commonly live for 4–6 years.

Firetail Gudgeon 2-4cm

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$6.00


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    Description

    Firetail Gudgeon (Hypseleotris galii)

    An underrated Australian native with a vibrant splash of colour, the Firetail Gudgeon is a peaceful freshwater fish recognised for its shimmering silver body and brilliant orange-red tail. Hardy, active and full of character, this beautiful species is ideal for native aquariums and peaceful community setups.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Hypseleotris galii
    • Common name: Firetail Gudgeon
    • Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm
    • Adult size: 6–8 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟒 Beginner to Intermediate
    • Temperament: Peaceful
    • Best kept: In groups of 5 or more

    Is this for you?

    βœ”οΈ Perfect if:

    • You want to keep Australian native fish.
    • You enjoy peaceful community aquariums.
    • You appreciate active fish with natural colours.
    • You have a planted aquarium with open swimming space.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep aggressive or predatory fish.
    • Your aquarium has poor water quality.
    • You intend to keep only a single specimen.
    • Your aquarium has very strong water currents.

    Why choose the Firetail Gudgeon?

    Native to eastern Australia, the Firetail Gudgeon is a hardy and attractive species found in slow-moving rivers, streams and billabongs. Its shimmering silver body is beautifully complemented by a vivid orange to red tail that becomes even more intense as the fish matures.

    Firetail Gudgeons are peaceful by nature and spend much of their time exploring the middle and lower areas of the aquarium. They are constantly active without being aggressive, making them excellent companions for other Australian natives and peaceful tropical fish.

    Their adaptability, attractive appearance and engaging behaviour make them an excellent choice for aquarists wanting something a little different from the more commonly available community fish.

    Benefits

    • Beautiful fiery orange-red tail
    • Peaceful Australian native species
    • Active and entertaining behaviour
    • Suitable for planted community aquariums
    • Hardy and adaptable
    • Excellent choice for native biotope aquariums

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: 20–26Β°C
    • pH: 6.5–7.8
    • Diet: Quality micro pellets, flakes, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and live foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well-filtered with gentle to moderate water movement
    • Substrate: Sand or fine gravel
    • Setup: Driftwood, rocks, aquatic plants and open swimming areas
    • Keep in groups to encourage natural behaviour and confidence.
    • Perform regular water changes to maintain excellent health and colour.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Empire Gudgeons
    • Pacific Blue Eyes
    • Australian Smelt
    • Rainbowfish
    • Corydoras
    NTA Insight:
    Firetail Gudgeons are one of Australia's hidden gems. They remain peaceful, display beautiful natural colours and are far hardier than many people expect. Their vibrant tail colour develops best in mature aquariums with high-quality foods and clean water. Keeping them in small groups helps reduce stress and encourages more natural interactions.

    FAQ

    How large do Firetail Gudgeons grow?

    Adults typically reach between 6 and 8 cm, making them an excellent medium-sized community fish.

    Are Firetail Gudgeons aggressive?

    No. They are peaceful fish that coexist well with other similarly sized community species.

    Can they live with shrimp?

    Larger shrimp are generally safe, but very small shrimplets may be eaten, so a dedicated shrimp aquarium is recommended if breeding shrimp.

    Do they need to be kept in groups?

    Yes. Keeping five or more individuals helps them feel secure and encourages more natural behaviour.

    Can they be kept in unheated aquariums?

    In many parts of Australia they can be kept in unheated indoor aquariums, provided temperatures remain within their preferred range and do not fluctuate dramatically.

    Do Firetail Gudgeons breed in aquariums?

    Yes. They may spawn in caves or among dense vegetation, although raising the fry requires separate care and suitable first foods.

    How long do Firetail Gudgeons live?

    With excellent care and stable water conditions, they commonly live for 4–6 years.

    Live Arrival & Ordering FAQ

    Why do livestock prices sometimes change?

    Unlike manufactured products, fish and shrimp continue to grow and develop over time. Their value changes as they increase in size, develop colour, or become breeding pairs.

    Our prices are based on the current size, quality and availability of each specimen. While pricing often remains stable for around 3–4 months, it may be updated at any time to reflect these changes.

    We always aim to offer healthy, high-quality livestock at fair and competitive prices.

    Do you offer a live arrival guarantee?

    Yes. All livestock is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.

    In the rare event of DOA, please contact us promptly with clear photos of the livestock in the original unopened bag.

    Please review our full DOA and store policies before purchase.

    Can you ship to all states in Australia?

    No. Due to state restrictions, we cannot ship livestock or live plants to WA and TAS.

    What should I check before ordering?

    Before placing an order, make sure:

    • Your tank is fully cycled and stable
    • Your aquarium has enough space for the species
    • Your current livestock are compatible in temperament, size, and requirements
    • Your water parameters, habitat, and temperature suit the species
    • You are not adding too many fish at once
    What should I expect when my fish arrives?

    It is normal for fish, shrimp, or snails to look pale, stressed, or less active after shipping.

    This is temporary. Most livestock will settle and regain colour within a few days.

    How long does it take for fish to settle in?

    Most livestock will take 3–7 days to fully adjust to their new environment.

    Should I feed my fish immediately after arrival?

    No. We recommend waiting 24 hours before feeding to allow them to settle.

    If you already have fish in your tank, feeding them before introducing new arrivals can help reduce stress.

    Why do fish sometimes struggle after being added to a tank?

    In most cases, issues are caused by tank conditions, not shipping.

    • Uncycled or unstable tanks
    • Poor water parameters
    • Overstocking
    • Unsuitable tank mates
    What is Nano Tanks Australia’s main tip for new livestock?

    Most livestock losses happen in immature or unstable tanks, not during shipping.

    If your setup is not fully established, the risk to new arrivals is significantly higher.

    Not sure if this fish is right for your setup?

    If you are unsure whether this species suits your setup, contact us before ordering and we’ll help point you in the right direction.

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