Forktailed blue-eye

Pseudomugil furcatus

Blue eyes, yellow fins and a deep forked tail; a small but fast swimmer.

Adult length: Up to 5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 24–27 °C
pH: 6–8
Hardness: 5–12 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits rainforest streams with dense vegetative cover.

Keep at 24–27°C, pH above 7 and GH of at least 5 dGH. Fit a lid to prevent jumping.

Appearance and identification

Pectoral fins attach behind the gill cover and may lift upward; they are not a third dorsal fin. Females generally show less yellow and different fin shapes. Compared with P. gertrudae, the deeply forked tail with yellow and dark edging is prominent here; spotted fins are a useful clue for gertrudae. Blue eyes alone do not identify either species.

Same-species behaviour

Keep at least six: three pairs or two males and four females.

Space requirements

Allow at least 20 US gallons.

Diet and feeding

Offer appropriately sized food.

Compatibility limits

Watch that slower companions can feed alongside these active fish.

Sources