Here’s a full guide to the Forktail Rainbowfish – a dazzling, energetic nano fish perfect for peaceful community tanks and planted aquascapes.

🐟 Forktail Rainbowfish Overview

• Scientific Name: Pseudomugil furcatus

• Common Names: Forktail Blue-eye, Forktail Rainbow, Furcata Rainbowfish

• Family: Pseudomugilidae

• Origin: Papua New Guinea (found in clear rainforest streams and shallow tributaries)

📏 Physical Characteristics

• Size: 1.8–2.5 inches (4.5–6.5 cm)

• Lifespan: ~3–4 years with good care

• Body Shape: Slender, torpedo-shaped

• Coloration:

  • Pale yellow to translucent body

  • Neon blue eyes (distinctive!)

  • Males: Bright yellow forked tail and fins with black edges

  • Females: Smaller, less colorful, but still attractive

🧬 Behavior and Temperament

• Temperament: Peaceful, active, and social

• Schooling Fish: Yes – best in groups of at least 6–8

• Tank Level: Mid to top-level swimmers

• Activity: Energetic and constantly moving, often displaying to each other

🐠 Tank Requirements

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivore (micro-predator)

• Preferred Foods:

  • Live/frozen: daphnia, baby brine shrimp, bloodworms

  • Micro pellets, high-quality flakes

  • Occasional spirulina or veggie-based flakes

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily in small amounts

🐣 Breeding

• Spawning Type: Egg scatterer

• Behavior:

  • Males display and chase females during courtship

  • Eggs are laid among fine-leafed plants or spawning mops

• Breeding Setup:

  • Use a separate breeding tank with moss or mops

  • Collect eggs daily (adults may eat them)

  • Eggs hatch in ~7–10 days

• Fry Care:

  • Feed infusoria, then baby brine shrimp

✅ Tips for Success

• Keep in schools (6+); more males = more vibrant displays

• Provide floating plants and gentle current

• Bright lighting enhances colors

• Weekly water changes keep them healthy and active

🤝 Compatibility

Forktail Rainbowfish are peaceful and ideal for nano/community tanks. Suitable tankmates include:

• Other peaceful rainbows (e.g., Pseudomugil species)

• Small rasboras (e.g., chili, harlequin)

• Corydoras catfish

• Otocinclus

• Neon or ember tetras

• Shrimp (though tiny fry may be at risk)

Avoid:

• Large or aggressive fish

• Fin-nippers (they have long delicate fins)

⚠️ Common Issues

• Jumping: Always use a tight lid

• Stress from low numbers: Keep in groups

• Dull color: Often due to stress, poor diet, or lighting

• Sensitivity: Can react poorly to sudden changes in water quality

🎯 Summary

The Forktail Rainbowfish is an eye-catching, peaceful nano fish perfect for planted aquariums. Their glowing blue eyes, yellow fins, and social behaviors make them a favorite among aquascapers and community tank keepers.

IMAGES ARE FOR REPRESENTATIVE PURPOSES ONLY.