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Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.

Here's a detailed overview of the Forktail Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil furcatus), a stunning freshwater species prized in the aquarium hobby for its vibrant coloration and peaceful nature.


🐟 Forktail Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil furcatus)

🔹 Common Names

  • Forktail Rainbowfish

  • Furcata Rainbowfish

  • Fork-tailed Blue-eye

🔹 Scientific Classification

Category Detail
Scientific Name Pseudomugil furcatus
Family Pseudomugilidae (Blue-eyes)
Order Atheriniformes
Origin Papua New Guinea (e.g., rainforest streams)
Conservation Status Not officially evaluated (common in the hobby)

🌈 Appearance

Feature Description
Size Up to 2 inches (5 cm)
Body Color Translucent to silvery with yellow and iridescent blue highlights
Fins Bright yellow, with males having extended fin rays and more vivid coloration
Tail Deeply forked yellow tail, hence the name
  • Males are more colorful and have extended dorsal and anal fins.

  • Females are smaller and less vibrant.


🧬 Behavior & Temperament

Aspect Details
Temperament Peaceful, active, shoaling
Social Behavior Best kept in groups of 6+, ideally with more females than males
Tank Position Middle to upper water column
Compatibility Great for community tanks with similarly small, peaceful species

🏞️ Natural Habitat

Feature Detail
Habitat Type Clear, shallow rainforest streams and creeks
Water Flow Gentle to moderate current
Water Conditions Soft, slightly acidic to neutral water (rainforest conditions)

🧪 Water Parameters (Captivity)

Parameter Ideal Range
Temperature 22–28°C (72–82°F)
pH 6.0–7.5
Hardness Soft to moderately hard (3–12 dGH)
Ammonia/Nitrites 0 ppm (very sensitive)

🐠 Aquarium Setup

Feature Details
Tank Size 20+ gallons recommended for a group
Substrate Dark sand or fine gravel to highlight colors
Plants Heavily planted tank with floating plants for diffused lighting
Lighting Moderate lighting preferred
Filtration Gentle filtration (sponge filters or low-flow HOB filters)
Decor Driftwood, rocks, live plants, open swimming space

🍽️ Diet

Type Food Items
Omnivorous - High-quality micro pellets- Flake food- Live/frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, micro worms
  • Small mouths – food should be tiny.

  • A varied diet enhances color and breeding behavior.


🐣 Breeding

Feature Details
Spawning Type Egg scatterer
Breeding Setup Separate tank with spawning mops or fine-leaved plants
Egg Laying Daily spawning; eggs stick to surfaces
Hatching Time 7–10 days (depending on temperature)
Fry Care Feed with infusoria or powdered fry food, then baby brine shrimp
  • Adults may eat the eggs or fry, so remove either parents or eggs for successful raising.


⚠️ Special Care Notes

  • Sensitive to poor water quality – regular water changes are critical.

  • Stress-prone if kept alone or in low numbers.

  • Do not house with aggressive or fin-nipping fish (e.g., barbs or large tetras).

  • Provide a tight lid, as they can jump.


📚 Fun Facts

  • The species name "furcatus" means “forked,” referring to their tail shape.

  • They're part of the "Blue-eyes" group due to their striking reflective irises.

  • When kept in a well-maintained tank, males will constantly display their fins and colors to attract females.



We process orders on all weekdays (Monday to Saturday), excluding public holidays.

To avail free shipping, purchase amount should be Rs350/-(for Aquarium Accessories and Aquatic Plants) or more, less than the above amount shipping charges applicable Rs70/- only. For live fish delivery charges applicable at the time of checkout.

Orders are normally Shipped within 1-2 days and usually take 2-5 working days to be delivered based on your location. However, you will receive an approximate timeline when you place your order.

To ensure that your order reaches you quickly and in good condition, we only ship through reputed courier agencies.

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