Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish
Pseudomugil gertrudae
Minimum Tank
10 Gallons
Adult Size
1.5 inches
Temperature
75-86°F (24-30°C)
pH Range
5.5-7.5
Lifespan
2 years
School Size
8+ fish
About Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish
The spotted blue-eye rainbowfish, also known as Gertrude's blue-eye, is a tiny, jewel-like fish from the shallow, vegetated waters of Papua New Guinea and northern Australia. Males are adorned with intricate patterns of yellow spots on their bodies and fins, complemented by brilliant blue eyes and dramatically extended fin filaments that they display during courtship. At just 1.5 inches, they are among the smallest rainbowfish and are ideal for nano aquariums. Spotted blue-eyes are delicate, peaceful fish that bring incredible detail and color to small-scale aquatic setups. Males engage in fascinating competitive displays, spreading their ornate fins to their fullest extent while swimming alongside rivals.
Care Requirements
Tank Setup
- • Minimum 10-gallon tank required
- • Temperature: 75-86°F (24-30°C)
- • pH: 5.5 - 7.5
- • Category: Rainbowfish
Diet & Feeding
- • Diet type: Omnivore
- • Feed 1-2 times daily
- • Varied diet recommended
Tank Mate Compatibility
Compatible With
Avoid Keeping With
Care Tips
Expert Tips
Spotted blue-eye rainbowfish do best in nano tanks of 10 gallons or more with gentle filtration, dense planting, and moderate lighting to showcase their spotted patterns. Keep them in groups of at least six with more females than males. They prefer slightly alkaline, moderately hard water at 75-82°F. Feed micro-foods including crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and live or frozen baby brine shrimp. They are delicate and should only be housed with other tiny, peaceful species. Males display most actively in the morning. Provide floating plants and surface cover for security. They are more sensitive than hardier nano fish and require stable, mature tanks with consistent parameters.
Quick Facts
38L
Min Tank (10gal)
4cm
Adult Size (1.5")
2yr
Lifespan
8+
Min School
Build Your Perfect Community Tank
Find compatible tankmates for your Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish
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Tank Mates for Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish
Species from our database with overlapping water parameters, compatible temperaments and a realistic shared tank size.
Chili Rasbora
Boraras brigittae
moderate · 5+ gal
Phoenix Rasbora
Boraras merah
moderate · 5+ gal
Amano Shrimp
Caridina multidentata
easy · 10+ gal
Blue Velvet Shrimp
Neocaridina davidi var.
easy · 5+ gal
Similar Care Level
Other moderate-care species that suit a comparable setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size tank does a Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish need?
A Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish needs a minimum tank size of 10 gallons (38 litres). They should be kept in schools of at least 8.
What water parameters does a Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish need?
Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish thrive in water between 75-86°F (24-30°C) with a pH of 5.5-7.5.
Are Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish easy to care for?
Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish are considered moderate to care for. They are peaceful fish with a lifespan of about 2 years.
How big do Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish get and what do they eat?
Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish reach about 1.5 inches and are omnivores. Spotted blue-eye rainbowfish do best in nano tanks of 10 gallons or more with gentle filtration, dense planting, and moderate lighting to showcase their spotted patterns. Keep them in groups of at least six with more females than males. They prefer slightly alkaline, moderately hard water at 75-82°F. Feed micro-foods including crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and live or frozen baby brine shrimp. They are delicate and should only be housed with other tiny, peaceful species. Males display most actively in the morning. Provide floating plants and surface cover for security. They are more sensitive than hardier nano fish and require stable, mature tanks with consistent parameters.