[1][3] It is a demersal species that inhabits streams, rivers, floodplains, wetlands, dune lakes, dams, and weirs.

[3][4] Hypseleotris galii is a small greyish or bronze coloured fish with dark edges on the scales and a silver belly, though colouration varies based on age, habitat, and season.

Adult females have clear fins and a dark patch around the genitalia, with gravid females developing an orange or pink belly.

[3] Hypseleotris galii lives for two to three years in the wild,[1] feeding mostly on insects and small crustaceans such as cladocerans and ostracods.

[3] Females lay between 25 and 440 eggs, attaching them to the undersides of leaves, logs, shells, or stones, where they are guarded by the male parent until they hatch.