The empire gudgeon (Hypseleotris compressa) is a species of gudgeon endemic to Australia and south-central New Guinea. It can be up to 12 cm (4.7 in) long, the males being larger than the females. The fish has omnivorous feeding habits. During the breeding season, the male's colour becomes much brighter than usual, which is used to attract a mate. When the fish spawns during the warm part of the year, up to 3,000 eggs are laid by the female, which hatch after 10–14 days.