Firetail Gudgeon (Hypseleotris galii) 2-4cm

Description

Firetail Gudgeon (Hypseleotris galii)

Small, hardy and unmistakably Australian, the Firetail Gudgeon is a fascinating native freshwater fish known for its fiery red-orange tail, subtle iridescent body colour and engaging personality. Native to eastern Australia, Hypseleotris galii is an excellent choice for aquarists wanting to create a native Australian aquarium or simply keep something a little different from the usual tropical community fish.

Quick Facts

  • Scientific name: Hypseleotris galii
  • Common name: Firetail Gudgeon
  • Origin: Eastern Australia
  • Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm
  • Adult size: Approximately 6–8 cm
  • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
  • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy to Moderate
  • Temperament: Generally peaceful; males may become territorial
  • Best kept: Small groups with plenty of structure and hiding places

Is this for you?

✔️ Perfect if:

  • You want to keep Australian native freshwater fish.
  • You enjoy smaller fish with interesting personalities and behaviours.
  • You have a planted or naturally decorated aquarium.
  • You want something less commonly seen than standard community species.

❌ Avoid if:

  • You keep very small fish or tiny shrimp that may be viewed as food.
  • Your aquarium has no hiding places or territories.
  • You want a tightly schooling mid-water fish.
  • You keep large, aggressive or highly predatory tank mates.

Why choose the Firetail Gudgeon?

The Firetail Gudgeon is a beautiful example of the diversity found in Australia's native freshwater fish. Rather than relying on artificially selected colour strains, this species develops its attractive markings naturally, with mature fish displaying subtle blue-grey to olive tones complemented by red-orange colouration through the fins and tail.

Their personality is just as appealing as their appearance. Firetail Gudgeons spend their time exploring the lower and middle areas of the aquarium, investigating rocks, plants, driftwood and potential hiding places. Males may establish small territories and become especially colourful when displaying or breeding.

Their manageable size and adaptable nature make them an excellent introduction to keeping Australian native fishes.

Benefits

  • Australian native freshwater species
  • Beautiful natural red-orange tail colouration
  • Small and manageable adult size
  • Interesting territorial and courtship behaviour
  • Suitable for planted and native-style aquariums
  • Hardy once established in stable conditions

Care made simple

  • Temperature: Approximately 20–28°C
  • pH: Approximately 6.5–8.0
  • Diet: Quality micro pellets, small sinking foods, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and appropriately sized live foods
  • Water: Clean, stable and well oxygenated
  • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
  • Setup: Plants, driftwood, rocks and multiple sheltered areas
  • Provide caves, crevices and visual barriers when keeping multiple males.
  • A secure lid is recommended, particularly when fish are newly introduced.

Pairs perfectly with

  • Pacific Blue-eyes
  • Australian Rainbowfish
  • Empire Gudgeons
  • Other appropriately sized peaceful native fish
  • Hardy planted aquarium species
NTA Insight:
Don't underestimate Australia's gudgeons. Firetail Gudgeons can look relatively understated when young or newly introduced, but settled fish—particularly mature males—can develop impressive colour during territorial and breeding displays. Give them a natural environment with plants, rocks, timber and plenty of cover and you'll see far more of the behaviour that makes this species special.

FAQ

Is the Firetail Gudgeon an Australian native fish?

Yes. Hypseleotris galii is native to eastern Australia and occurs naturally in freshwater habitats including streams, creeks and associated waterways.

Are Firetail Gudgeons peaceful?

They are generally peaceful towards suitably sized tank mates. Males can become territorial towards other gudgeons, particularly when breeding, so providing adequate space and multiple hiding places is important.

How many should I keep?

They can be maintained individually or in small groups. When keeping several fish, provide plenty of structure and separate territories so individuals can move away from one another when required.

What should I feed them?

Firetail Gudgeons are opportunistic carnivores and readily accept appropriately sized quality pellets along with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. A varied diet helps maintain condition and colour.

Can Firetail Gudgeons live with shrimp?

Large adult shrimp may coexist with them, but small shrimp and shrimplets should be considered potential prey. They are not recommended if maximising shrimp breeding is your priority.

Can Firetail Gudgeons breed in aquariums?

Yes. Mature fish can spawn in captivity when provided with suitable conditions and spawning sites. Males become territorial around the breeding site and may display significantly stronger colouration during this period.

Do they need a heater?

Not necessarily in every Australian home. Their natural temperature tolerance is broader than many tropical aquarium fish. However, aquarium temperature should remain within a suitable, stable range and extreme cold or rapid temperature fluctuations should be avoided.

Are they suitable for a native Australian aquarium?

Absolutely. Firetail Gudgeons are an excellent choice for an Australian native display and can be combined with compatible native species of similar size and temperament.

Firetail Gudgeon (Hypseleotris galii) 2-4cm

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📍 In-Store Locations: APE26
📦 Arrival Date: 4 August 2026

10 in stock  

$8.00


All prices include GST
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    Description

    Firetail Gudgeon (Hypseleotris galii)

    Small, hardy and unmistakably Australian, the Firetail Gudgeon is a fascinating native freshwater fish known for its fiery red-orange tail, subtle iridescent body colour and engaging personality. Native to eastern Australia, Hypseleotris galii is an excellent choice for aquarists wanting to create a native Australian aquarium or simply keep something a little different from the usual tropical community fish.

    Quick Facts

    • Scientific name: Hypseleotris galii
    • Common name: Firetail Gudgeon
    • Origin: Eastern Australia
    • Current size: Approximately 3–5 cm
    • Adult size: Approximately 6–8 cm
    • Tank size: 60L+ recommended
    • Difficulty: 🟢 Easy to Moderate
    • Temperament: Generally peaceful; males may become territorial
    • Best kept: Small groups with plenty of structure and hiding places

    Is this for you?

    ✔️ Perfect if:

    • You want to keep Australian native freshwater fish.
    • You enjoy smaller fish with interesting personalities and behaviours.
    • You have a planted or naturally decorated aquarium.
    • You want something less commonly seen than standard community species.

    ❌ Avoid if:

    • You keep very small fish or tiny shrimp that may be viewed as food.
    • Your aquarium has no hiding places or territories.
    • You want a tightly schooling mid-water fish.
    • You keep large, aggressive or highly predatory tank mates.

    Why choose the Firetail Gudgeon?

    The Firetail Gudgeon is a beautiful example of the diversity found in Australia's native freshwater fish. Rather than relying on artificially selected colour strains, this species develops its attractive markings naturally, with mature fish displaying subtle blue-grey to olive tones complemented by red-orange colouration through the fins and tail.

    Their personality is just as appealing as their appearance. Firetail Gudgeons spend their time exploring the lower and middle areas of the aquarium, investigating rocks, plants, driftwood and potential hiding places. Males may establish small territories and become especially colourful when displaying or breeding.

    Their manageable size and adaptable nature make them an excellent introduction to keeping Australian native fishes.

    Benefits

    • Australian native freshwater species
    • Beautiful natural red-orange tail colouration
    • Small and manageable adult size
    • Interesting territorial and courtship behaviour
    • Suitable for planted and native-style aquariums
    • Hardy once established in stable conditions

    Care made simple

    • Temperature: Approximately 20–28°C
    • pH: Approximately 6.5–8.0
    • Diet: Quality micro pellets, small sinking foods, frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia and appropriately sized live foods
    • Water: Clean, stable and well oxygenated
    • Substrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
    • Setup: Plants, driftwood, rocks and multiple sheltered areas
    • Provide caves, crevices and visual barriers when keeping multiple males.
    • A secure lid is recommended, particularly when fish are newly introduced.

    Pairs perfectly with

    • Pacific Blue-eyes
    • Australian Rainbowfish
    • Empire Gudgeons
    • Other appropriately sized peaceful native fish
    • Hardy planted aquarium species
    NTA Insight:
    Don't underestimate Australia's gudgeons. Firetail Gudgeons can look relatively understated when young or newly introduced, but settled fish—particularly mature males—can develop impressive colour during territorial and breeding displays. Give them a natural environment with plants, rocks, timber and plenty of cover and you'll see far more of the behaviour that makes this species special.

    FAQ

    Is the Firetail Gudgeon an Australian native fish?

    Yes. Hypseleotris galii is native to eastern Australia and occurs naturally in freshwater habitats including streams, creeks and associated waterways.

    Are Firetail Gudgeons peaceful?

    They are generally peaceful towards suitably sized tank mates. Males can become territorial towards other gudgeons, particularly when breeding, so providing adequate space and multiple hiding places is important.

    How many should I keep?

    They can be maintained individually or in small groups. When keeping several fish, provide plenty of structure and separate territories so individuals can move away from one another when required.

    What should I feed them?

    Firetail Gudgeons are opportunistic carnivores and readily accept appropriately sized quality pellets along with frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp and daphnia. A varied diet helps maintain condition and colour.

    Can Firetail Gudgeons live with shrimp?

    Large adult shrimp may coexist with them, but small shrimp and shrimplets should be considered potential prey. They are not recommended if maximising shrimp breeding is your priority.

    Can Firetail Gudgeons breed in aquariums?

    Yes. Mature fish can spawn in captivity when provided with suitable conditions and spawning sites. Males become territorial around the breeding site and may display significantly stronger colouration during this period.

    Do they need a heater?

    Not necessarily in every Australian home. Their natural temperature tolerance is broader than many tropical aquarium fish. However, aquarium temperature should remain within a suitable, stable range and extreme cold or rapid temperature fluctuations should be avoided.

    Are they suitable for a native Australian aquarium?

    Absolutely. Firetail Gudgeons are an excellent choice for an Australian native display and can be combined with compatible native species of similar size and temperament.

    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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