Forktail Blue-Eye (Pseudomugil furcatus) Care Guide

A charming tiny rainbowfish with bright blue eyes and a distinctive forked tail with yellow highlights. Males display extended filaments on the pectoral and dorsal fins.

Overview

Pseudomugil furcatus is a species in the family Pseudomugilidae. A charming tiny rainbowfish with bright blue eyes and a distinctive forked tail with yellow highlights. Males display extended filaments on the pectoral and dorsal fins. Perfect for nano planted tanks and very peaceful.

Taxonomy

Family: Pseudomugilidae
Genus: Pseudomugil
Scientific name: Pseudomugil furcatus
Other names: Furcata Rainbowfish
Origin: Oceania, Papua New Guinea

Habitat

Pseudomugil furcatus is a small rainbowfish relative from clear coastal streams of eastern Papua New Guinea. It shoals in flowing, well-oxygenated water and feeds on small invertebrates and zooplankton; males display extended yellow-edged fins.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 40 L
Temperature: 24-28 °C
pH: 6.5-8
GH: 5-15 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 3-5 cm
Lifespan: 2-3 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 6
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: peaceful
Position in tank: top
Compatible tank mates: Ember Tetra, Cherry Shrimp, Pygmy Corydoras, Chili Rasbora
Avoid with: Large Fish, Tiger Barb, Betta

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: intermediate