Purple-Spotted Gudgeon (Mogurnda adspersa) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 30 gallons and 64-79°F. A stocky Australian gudgeon with purple and red spotting that waits on the bottom and ambushes food. It is hardy and tolerates cooler water, but it will swallow fish and shrimp that fit its mouth.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Mogurnda adspersa |
|---|---|
| Family | Eleotridae |
| Origin | Eastern Australia |
| Adult size | 4-5 in |
| Minimum tank | 30 gallons |
| Temperature | 64-79°F |
| pH | 6.5-7.8 |
| Temperament | Territorial ambush predator; eats small fish and shrimp |
| Social behavior | Single or a pair; males squabble |
| Swim level | Bottom to mid |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Carnivore: live and frozen foods; many accept sinking pellets |
| Typical lifespan | 5-8 years |
Quick tips
- Do not keep with tiny fish or shrimp.
- Provide caves and wood to claim.
- Cover the tank; it can jump.
San Diego water
Tolerates San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water (pH roughly 7.6-8.6) with slow acclimation and a conditioner that handles chloramine. Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi