All fish / Pseudomugilidae

Cape blue-eye

Pseudomugil majusculus

Also known as cape blue eye, cape blueeye, pseudomugil majusculus

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A small, slim blue-eye from coastal Papua New Guinea with a translucent silvery body, bright blue eyes and fins that become yellowish and edged in males. It is kept by enthusiasts of rainbowfish and blue-eyes for its lively display behaviour and its suitability for small planted tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

4 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6.5 to 7.8

Smallest tank

40 litres

Keep as

Group of 6 or more, ideally with more females than males

Diet

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

Swims

Top of the tank

Lifespan

1 to 3 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Papua New Guinea (southeastern coastal streams near Cape Rodney)

Breeding

An egg scatterer that lays a few eggs each day over several days among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Eggs take around two weeks to hatch and the fry need infusoria or very fine foods; it is not difficult once stock is obtained, but parents will eat eggs.

Good to know

Rarely seen in the trade and little documented in captivity, so care figures are based on related blue-eyes. Keep only with tiny, peaceful tankmates and use a tight lid, as blue-eyes can jump.