Gertrude's Blue-eye, lat. Pseudomugil gertrudae- Pseudomugil gertrudae distribution
Family: Pseudomugilidae;
Genus: Pseudomugil;
Species and synonyms: Gertrude's Blue-eye (Pseudomugil gertrudae, Gertrude's Blue-eye, Spotted Blue-eye, Northern Blue-eye, Синеглазка Гертруды).
GBIF:
Gertrude's Blue-eye (lat. Pseudomugil gertrudae) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Atheriniformes, family Pseudomugilidae, genus Pseudomugil. One of the most popular dwarf rainbowfish in the aquarium hobby.
Distribution. The natural range of Gertrude's Blue-eye covers water bodies of Australia and New Guinea. The fish prefer clear, well-oxygenated waters with moderate flow, often found in small rivers, streams, canals and floodplain lakes with dense vegetation.
Care requirements. Gertrude's Blue-eye is a schooling fish that grows up to 3–4 cm in the aquarium. To keep a school (minimum 8–10 specimens), an aquarium of at least 60 liters with a length of 60 cm is recommended. It is important to keep them in schools, as they are social fish and feel comfortable only in a group. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–28°C, hardness 5–15 dGH, pH 6.0–7.5. Filtration with moderate flow, aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Dark sandy or fine gravel substrate, driftwood, stones and shelters are placed at the bottom. Plants are planted in the substrate, creating dense thickets, and open swimming areas are left.
Gertrude's Blue-eyes are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates and zooplankton in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality fine flakes and pellets, live and frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, bloodworms). It is important to vary the diet and provide fine foods. Feed should be 2–3 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Gertrude's Blue-eyes are active in the upper and middle water layers. They are peaceful and get along well with other small peaceful fish. Recommended tankmates include other small rainbowfish, tetras, rasboras, danios, dwarf barbs, corydoras and other small fish. It is not recommended to keep them with large or aggressive fish that may bully them or mistake them for food.
Breeding in home aquariums is possible under proper conditions. Gertrude's Blue-eyes are egg-laying fish, spawning on fine-leaved plants or artificial spawning substrates. They reach sexual maturity at 6–8 months. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh, soft and slightly acidic water, with a temperature increase to 26–28°C, are recommended. Spawning occurs in the morning hours. Eggs incubate for 7–10 days. Fry are fed infusoria, Artemia nauplii and very fine dry food.
Gertrude's Blue-eye gets its name in honor of Gertrude Clark, an ichthyologist, and due to its bright coloration: the body is golden-yellow or orange with small blue spots and bright blue eyes. Males have brighter coloration, are larger and have longer fins than females. It is one of the brightest and most peaceful fish for nano-aquariums. Life expectancy is 3–5 years.
Forktail Blue-eye, lat. Pseudomugil furcatus