All fish / Pseudomugilidae

Spotted Blue-eye

Pseudomugil gertrudae

Also known as gertrude's blue-eye, gertrudae blue eye, spotted blue eye, gertrude's rainbowfish, pseudomugil gertrudae aru, gertrudae rainbow, ガートルードロップ, ガートルードアイ, blue eye gertrudae, 星钻霓虹, 斑点蓝眼燕子

A tiny blue-eye with pale yellow body, bright blue eyes and translucent fins dotted with dark spots; males have elongated, flowing dorsal and anal fins. It is kept for its lively displays and suits planted nano tanks with very calm companions.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

3 cm

Temperature

23 to 28 °C

pH

5.5 to 7.5

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more, ideally more females than males

Diet

Omnivore: small live and frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and microworms, plus fine flake

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

1 to 2 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Northern Australia (Northern Territory, Queensland), southern New Guinea and Aru Islands

Breeding

Spawns continuously, scattering a few sticky eggs daily among fine plants or spawning mops. Eggs hatch in about 10 to 20 days and the fry need infusoria at first; breeding is fairly easy but adults will eat eggs.

Good to know

Short-lived and delicate, so avoid boisterous or large tankmates and keep water clean and stable with gentle flow. Several regional forms exist and should not be mixed.