SPOTTED BLUE-EYE RAINBOWFISH | PSEUDOMUGIL GERTRUDAE

The Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil gertrudae), also known as Gertrude’s Spotted Blue-Eye, is a small, enchanting freshwater species native to the shallow forest streams, swamps, and lagoons of northern Australia and New Guinea. It’s beloved for its delicate, translucent body, bright blue eyes, and elegant spotted fins that flutter like tiny wings as it swims. Despite its small size, this fish adds dazzling movement and charm to planted and nano aquariums.

Adult males typically reach about 1.2 inches (3 cm) and are more colorful, displaying brilliant yellow to golden bodies with black spots across their dorsal, anal, and caudal fins. Their vibrant blue eyes shine under aquarium lighting, giving them an almost ethereal appearance. Females are slightly smaller and paler but equally graceful.

Ideal water parameters:
Temperature: 75–82°F (24–28°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Hardness: 5–15 dGH

Tank setup:
The Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish thrives in clean, well-oxygenated aquariums of 10 gallons or larger. They prefer gentle water flow and a heavily planted environment with floating vegetation, fine-leaved plants (like Java Moss or Guppy Grass), and open swimming areas. A darker substrate and subdued lighting will help bring out their colors. They are social schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6–8 individuals for natural behavior and vibrant displays.

Diet:
These fish are micro-predators and omnivores that thrive on small, high-protein foods. Offer high-quality micro-pellets, crushed flakes, and frequent feedings of live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and cyclops. Multiple small feedings throughout the day keep them active and brightly colored.

Temperament and tankmates:
Spotted Blue-Eyes are peaceful, active, and curious. They make excellent residents for nano or community aquariums with other gentle species such as endlers, small rasboras, ricefish, shrimp, or dwarf corydoras. Avoid large or aggressive fish that may outcompete or harass them.

Breeding:
Males perform intricate, fluttering displays to court females, who scatter adhesive eggs among fine plants or spawning mops. Adults do not guard the eggs, so moving them to a separate hatching tank helps improve fry survival.

In summary, the Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil gertrudae) is a radiant, peaceful, and endlessly fascinating nano fish. With its sparkling blue eyes, spotted fins, and fluttering movements, it adds elegance, color, and life to planted aquariums and is a perfect choice for aquarists who appreciate delicate beauty in a small, lively package.