Common Name: Blue Eye Rainbow (also known as Pseudomugil gertrudae or Gertrude’s Rainbowfish)
Scientific Name: Pseudomugil gertrudae
Genus: Pseudomugil
Wild Origin: Northern Australia and New Guinea, typically found in slow-moving freshwater streams, swamps, and floodplains
The Blue Eye Rainbow is a small, stunning freshwater fish known for its vivid blue eyes and intricate spotted fin patterns. Males have especially vibrant colors, with elongated dorsal and anal fins adorned with black and white spots. These fish are highly active and social, preferring to school with others of their kind, making them a lively addition to nano and community aquariums. Blue Eye Rainbows typically grow to about 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) and can live up to 3-5 years with proper care.
Habitat and Tank Requirements:
In their natural habitat, Blue Eye Rainbows inhabit slow-moving, heavily vegetated waters. To replicate their natural environment in an aquarium, it’s essential to provide a well-planted tank with open swimming areas and a gentle water flow.
Tank Size and Water Parameters:
| PARAMETER | RECOMMENDED |
|---|---|
| Tank Size | Minimum 20 litres |
| Temperature | 72-82°F (22-28°C) |
| pH | 6.0-7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard water, 5-12 dGH |
Blue Eye Rainbows do well in well-planted tanks with soft to moderately hard water. A substrate of sand or fine gravel works best, and live plants such as Java fern, Anubias, and floating plants create a natural habitat that helps them feel secure. Since they are sensitive to strong light, diffused or moderate lighting is recommended. Floating plants can help create shaded areas, which they prefer. A gentle filter is ideal to maintain clean water without creating strong currents.
We Recommend:
These carefully selected options provide a well-balanced nutritional profile, ensuring that your fish receive the essential nutrients they need for optimal growth, vibrant colors, and overall health. By offering a variety of these high-quality foods, you can help maintain the vitality and well-being of your fish, promoting a healthy and thriving aquarium environment.
Behavior and Compatibility:
Blue Eye Rainbows are peaceful, schooling fish that should be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals. When kept in schools, they exhibit natural behaviors and display their best colors. Males may display fin-flaring behaviors to compete for attention, which adds to their visual appeal.
These fish are excellent tank mates for other small, peaceful species such as tetras, rasboras, dwarf Corydoras, and small shrimp. Avoid housing them with aggressive or much larger species, as their delicate nature can make them vulnerable to stress or competition for food.
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