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Forktail Blue-eye, lat. Pseudomugil furcatus


Order: Atheriniformes;
Family: Pseudomugilidae;
Genus: Pseudomugil;
Species and synonyms: Forktail Blue-eye (Pseudomugil furcatus, Forktail Blue-eye, Pseudomugil furcatus).

GBIF: Pseudomugil furcatus Nichols, 1955

Forktail Blue-eye (lat. Pseudomugil furcatus) 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 the Forktail Blue-eye covers water bodies of the island of New Guinea (Papua New Guinea and the Indonesian province of Papua). The fish prefer clear, well-oxygenated waters with moderate flow, often found in small tributaries of rivers, streams and small rivers.

Care requirements. The Forktail Blue-eye is a schooling fish that grows up to 4–5 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 this promotes activity and color brightness. 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 substrate, driftwood, stones and dense thickets of plants (preferably with small leaves) are placed at the bottom. It is important to leave open swimming areas.

Forktail 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, mosquito larvae). 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, Forktail 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. Forktail 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. They grow rather slowly.

The Forktail Blue-eye gets its name from its bright coloration and characteristic forked caudal fin. Males have brighter coloration: the body is golden-yellow or greenish-blue with blue eyes. Females have more subdued coloration and a more silvery body. Breeding in the aquarium hobby is stable and allows for various selective forms. Life expectancy is 3–5 years.