Spotted Blue-Eye (Pseudomugil gertrudae) Care Guide

A delicate, tiny rainbowfish with spotted fins and striking blue eyes. Males develop spectacular fan-shaped pectoral fins with black spots.

Overview

Pseudomugil gertrudae is a species in the family Pseudomugilidae. A delicate, tiny rainbowfish with spotted fins and striking blue eyes. Males develop spectacular fan-shaped pectoral fins with black spots. One of the most beautiful nano fish, thriving in densely planted tanks with soft, slightly acidic water.

Taxonomy

Family: Pseudomugilidae
Genus: Pseudomugil
Scientific name: Pseudomugil gertrudae
Other names: Gertrudae Rainbowfish
Origin: Oceania, Australia, Papua New Guinea

Habitat

Pseudomugil gertrudae is a tiny blue-eye from still and slow-moving, often tannin-stained waters of northern Australia and southern New Guinea. It lives in dense vegetation in soft, acidic water and feeds on micro-invertebrates near the surface.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 30 L
Temperature: 24-30 °C
pH: 5.5-7
GH: 2-10 °dGH
Water flow: low
Adult size: 2-3 cm
Lifespan: 1-2 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 8
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: Cherry Shrimp, Pygmy Corydoras, Chili Rasbora, Ember Tetra
Avoid with: Any Large Fish, Betta

Breeding

Breeding strategy: egg-scatterer
Breeding difficulty: intermediate