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Maximum size : 2.5 cm
Spotted Blue Eye Rainbowfish - Pseudomugil gertrudae : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Spotted Blue Eye Rainbowfish, (Pseudomugil gertrudae) is an exquisite and peaceful species that thrives in groups. It is crucial to keep these fish in numbers, or else they may become skittish and intimidated by other inhabitants of their aquarium. While they are not the best fit for a community tank, they can be kept alongside other fish with similar requirements, size, and disposition. The optimal environment for the Spotted Blue Eye Rainbowfish entails a densely-planted aquarium, making it an excellent addition to a carefully aquascaped tank. Providing some floating plants and driftwood roots or branches not only adds to the natural appeal of the habitat but is also appreciated by the species. Ensuring that the water is well-oxygenated with a suitable flow is advisable. It is critical not to add this fish to a biologically immature aquarium, as it is susceptible to abrupt shifts in water chemistry, which could be detrimental to its well-being. These fish have a compressed and elongated body that shimmers with a semi-transparent blueish-silver hue, sometimes even displaying a radiant golden-yellow sheen. Their two close-together dorsal fins reveal a visible swim bladder. However, what sets this species apart are the bright yellow, orange, or orangey-red tips of their pectoral fins and the white-bordered anal, dorsal, and tail fins with oblong or rounded dark spots scattered all over them. The Spotted Blue Eye Rainbowfish boasts a fascinating latticework pattern over its body, with several rows of black-bordered scales. All scales except for those of the mid-ventral and mid-dorsal rows have a spot that forms about six rows of irregular lines. The mid-lateral stripe seems to be continuous from just below and in line with the start of the first dorsal fin to the caudal peduncle. There are considerable differences in colouration, body size, finnage size, and shape among these species. It is worth noting that if you intend to breed these fish, avoid keeping them with other Pseudomugil species like the Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish as they can hybridize.Spotted Blue Eye Rainbowfish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between the male and female Spotted Blue Eye Rainbowfish is quite straightforward. Females are characterized by a deeper body structure, while the males possess larger dorsal, pelvic, and anal fins with elongated filaments on the first dorsal and pelvic fins. Males also exhibit more vivid hues and spots on both their fins and bodies. Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Pseudomugil gertrudae |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1911 |
| Other Names | Spotted blue-eye |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Atheriniformes |
| Family | Melanotaeniidae |
| Genus | Pseudomugil |
| Origins | Papua New Guinea Australia |
| Max Size | 2.5 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 5+ |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg-Scatterer |
| Lifespan | 3 - 5 years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| PH | 4.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 5 - 12 |
| KH | |
| TDS | 90 - 215 |
| ℉ | 73 - 86 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 22 - 30 |
