Philypnodon

Philypnodon is a genus with 2 species in this atlas, catalogued in the Gobies & Gudgeons section, recorded from Australia. Adult sizes run from 2.5 in to 4 in. Every species below links to a full researched profile.

Species in atlas
2
Adult sizes
2.5–4 in
IUCN assessed
2 of 2
Recorded from
Australia

About the genus

Philypnodon is a small genus of freshwater gudgeons endemic to Australia, where both atlas species inhabit still and slow-flowing waters - billabongs, lakes, and lowland streams - across the southeastern part of the continent. They are small, blunt-headed gobies, running from about 2.5 in in the dwarf flathead gudgeon (P. macrostomus) up to 4 in in the flathead gudgeon (P. grandiceps), with the broad, flattened head that gives both species their common names.

Neither species has much profile in the international aquarium trade, though both are kept by Australian native-fish enthusiasts as hardy, undemanding tank companions well suited to community setups with other small natives. They tolerate a wide range of water conditions typical of the still, often weedy habitats they occupy in the wild, and their conservation picture is unremarkable for now - not assessed as facing any particular threat, though as with many small-bodied Australian natives, detailed population data remains limited.

IUCN Red List: Least Concern · 1 Not Evaluated · 1

The 2 species

Every Philypnodon recorded in this atlas. Each card links to a full researched profile — distribution, water parameters, and aquarium care, cited to primary sources.

(Krefft, 1864)

Flathead gudgeon, Bighead gudgeon

4 in SL · NE

(Hoese & Reader, 2006)

Dwarf flathead gudgeon, Dwarf flat-headed gudgeon

2.5 in SL · LC

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How to cite

Aquarist Atlas (2026). Genus Philypnodon. Aquarist Atlas. https://www.aquaristatlas.com/philypnodon/

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