Forktail Blue Eye Rainbow

Forktail Blue Eye Rainbow (Pseudomugil furcatus) is one of the best-known and most widely kept Pseudomugil species. Males display a yellow to golden body with vivid yellow and black fin markings and a deeply forked tail that fans open dramatically during display. The iridescent blue eyes that are characteristic of the genus are particularly vivid in this species.

Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Baby makes an excellent daily staple — crush lightly before feeding. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp to enhance the vivid yellow coloration and bright blue eyes. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.

Native to forest streams in the Milne Bay Province and Normanby Island area of Papua New Guinea. This species inhabits clear, slightly cool, well-oxygenated streams with dense vegetation. In the aquarium, a planted setup with gentle filtration and slightly cooler water than most tropical fish suits this species best.

Keep in groups of at least eight with mixed sexes. Male display behavior is spectacular — the forked tail fans open fully and the yellow fin markings intensify during courtship. Completely peaceful with other small, non-aggressive species.

Blue-eye rainbowfish are best kept in a densely planted aquarium with fine-leaved plants and gentle filtration — strong currents will exhaust these small fish. They are most spectacular in natural-toned setups with dark substrate where the iridescent fin extensions and vivid eye color catch the light. Keep only with other small, peaceful species. Larger or more boisterous tankmates will outcompete them for food and space.

Care & Ideal Parameters