Forktail Blue-Eye Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil furcatus)

The Forktail Blue-Eye Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil furcatus) is a striking jewel of the freshwater aquarium world, a species that combines delicate elegance with vivacious movement. Native to the clear, slow-moving streams of Papua New Guinea, this small rainbowfish typically reaches only around 3–4 centimeters in length, yet it possesses a presence that far exceeds its size. Its body is slim and translucent, revealing flashes of silver and iridescent blue that catch and scatter light in a dazzling display, while its fins extend in graceful, forked formations that ripple with every movement. The species’ most captivating feature is undoubtedly its eyes: brilliant, metallic blue, and unusually large in proportion to its head, they seem to hold a quiet, intelligent curiosity that draws the observer in. In its natural habitat, Pseudomugil furcatus inhabits well-vegetated pools and slow-flowing streams, where it weaves through submerged roots and aquatic plants, a shimmer of living gemstone amid the greenery. Its environment is characterized by soft, slightly acidic water, and although it tolerates a range of conditions in captivity, reproducing these elements in the home aquarium brings out the fish’s brightest colors and most active behavior.

Behaviorally, the Forktail Blue-Eye Rainbowfish is a peaceful and social species, ideally kept in small groups of six or more. It exhibits a lively, almost ballet-like schooling pattern, moving in coordinated flickers and turns that mesmerize and enchant, making it a centerpiece in any community tank. Its diet in the wild consists mainly of small insects, crustaceans, and zooplankton, and in captivity it thrives on a varied regimen of high-quality flake foods, micro-pellets, and occasional live or frozen offerings such as daphnia and brine shrimp. This dietary flexibility makes it accessible to hobbyists of all experience levels while ensuring the fish maintains its vibrant coloration. Breeding is possible under careful conditions, with males displaying even more intense hues during courtship, their forked caudal fins fanning wide as they glide alongside females. Spawning occurs over fine-leaved plants, and the fry are tiny but grow quickly when provided a nutrient-rich diet, offering an additional layer of fascination and reward for dedicated aquarists.

For aquarists seeking a species that combines both visual brilliance and gentle temperament, the Forktail Blue-Eye Rainbowfish stands apart. Its compact size allows it to thrive in modestly sized aquariums while its striking coloration and active schooling behavior provide a dynamic, living display that enhances the aesthetic of any tank. The interplay of light on its translucent body, the glitter of its metallic eyes, and the delicate elegance of its forked fins make it a perpetual delight for observation, while its peaceful nature ensures compatibility with a wide variety of other small freshwater species. Enthusiasts and collectors alike will find in Pseudomugil furcatus a fish that is both captivating and resilient, a miniature jewel that embodies the subtle magic of Papua New Guinea’s waterways. Its allure is immediate, its care straightforward, and its presence transformative, creating a shimmering, lively tableau that elevates the aquarium experience. This fish does not ship individually bagged.

Common Name:  Forktail Blue-Eye Rainbowfish
Scientific Name:  Pseudomugil furcatus
Country of Import:  Czech Republic
Prophylactic Treatment:  Erythromycin / Ich-X / Metro
Approximate Current Size:  1″
Temp/pH/TDS:  75F / 6.5 pH / 80

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