Pseudomugil furcatus (Forktail Blue-eye Rainbowfish) Pair

 

 

 

Pseudomugil furcatus – A Peaceful, Active Nano Rainbowfish

The Pseudomugil furcatus, commonly known as the Forktail Blue-eye Rainbowfish, is one of the most colorful and entertaining nano fish available for freshwater aquariums. Native to the clear streams and slow-moving waters of Papua New Guinea, this species is loved for its brilliant blue eyes, bright yellow fins, and constantly active swimming behavior.

Forktail Blue-eyes are perfect for planted community aquariums where they spend the day swimming throughout the middle and upper levels of the tank. Their peaceful nature makes them an excellent choice for beginner and experienced aquarists alike.

At Orange Aquatics, every fish is carefully inspected before shipping to ensure you receive healthy, vibrant specimens.

 

Quick Facts

Scientific Name: Pseudomugil furcatus

Common Name: Forktail Blue-eye Rainbowfish

Family: Pseudomugilidae

Origin: Papua New Guinea

Adult Size: 2–2.5 inches (5–6 cm)

Lifespan: 3–5 years

Temperament: Peaceful

Difficulty: Easy

Swimming Level: Mid to upper water column

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

 

Appearance

Forktail Blue-eyes are instantly recognizable by their striking electric blue eyes and vivid yellow fins edged with black. Their deeply forked tail gives the species its common name and creates an elegant appearance as they swim through the aquarium.

Males develop brighter colors, longer fins, and often display to one another by flaring their fins without causing serious harm. Females are slightly smaller and less colorful but equally active.

 

Aquarium Setup

Pseudomugil furcatus thrives in mature, well-planted aquariums with plenty of open swimming space.

Ideal aquarium features include:

● Dense live plants

● Floating plants to diffuse bright lighting

● Driftwood and natural décor

● Gentle to moderate water flow

● Secure lid, as they are capable jumpers

A planted aquarium not only highlights their colors but also helps them feel secure.

 

Water Parameters

● Temperature: 72–80°F (22–27°C)

● pH: 6.5–7.8

● Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water

● Ammonia: 0 ppm

● Nitrite: 0 ppm

● Low nitrate levels are recommended for long-term health.

Regular water changes and stable conditions are important for maintaining vibrant coloration.

 

Diet

Forktail Blue-eyes are omnivores that readily accept a variety of foods.

A varied diet should include:

● High-quality micro pellets

● Fine tropical flakes

● Frozen baby brine shrimp

● Frozen cyclops

● Daphnia

● Live baby brine shrimp

● Microworms and other small live foods

Providing a diverse diet helps maximize coloration, activity, and breeding success.

 

Behavior

These fish are constantly active and rarely stop swimming. Males frequently display to each other by extending their fins and showing off their brilliant colors, creating fascinating natural behavior without serious aggression.

They do best when kept in groups of at least six fish, although groups of 8–12 or more provide even more natural behavior and reduce stress.

 

Tank Mates

Excellent companions include:

● Other rainbowfish species

● Peaceful rasboras

● Small tetras

● Corydoras catfish

● Otocinclus

● Kuhli loaches

● Peaceful shrimp

● Small peaceful gobies

Avoid housing them with large or aggressive fish that may intimidate or prey upon them.

 

Breeding

Pseudomugil furcatus is considered one of the easier rainbowfish species to breed.

Adults scatter adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants, spawning mops, or mosses over multiple days. Unlike many egg scatterers, adults typically do not consume large numbers of eggs immediately, although collecting eggs often increases hatch rates.

Eggs generally hatch in 10–18 days, depending on water temperature.

Newly hatched fry are extremely small and require appropriately sized foods such as infusoria, vinegar eels, rotifers, or commercially prepared liquid fry foods before graduating to newly hatched baby brine shrimp.

 

Why Choose Pseudomugil furcatus?

● Brilliant blue eyes

● Vibrant yellow fins

● Peaceful community fish

● Excellent for planted aquariums

● Easy to care for

● Fascinating courtship displays

● Suitable for beginners

● Readily breeds in captivity

Their nonstop activity and stunning coloration make them one of the most rewarding nano fish available.

 

Conservation

Pseudomugil furcatus is currently listed as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List. Although the species is not considered threatened, responsibly captive-bred fish help reduce pressure on wild populations.

 

Shipping

Orange Aquatics carefully packs every order using insulated packaging and professional shipping methods to help ensure your fish arrive healthy and ready to thrive.

Please be available to receive your shipment upon delivery to minimize stress on your new fish.

Bring the beauty and activity of the Forktail Blue-eye Rainbowfish to your aquarium today!