Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas. Here’s a full guide to the Forktail Rainbowfish – a dazzling, energetic nano fish perfect for peaceful...
Live fish will be delivered only to selected pincodes in Kolkata and nearby areas.
Here’s a full guide to the Forktail Rainbowfish – a dazzling, energetic nano fish perfect for peaceful community tanks and planted aquascapes.
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)
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
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
Requirement | Details |
---|---|
Tank Size | Minimum 10 gallons (20+ gallons ideal for groups) |
Water Type | Freshwater |
Temperature | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
pH Level | 6.0–7.5 |
Hardness | 5–15 dGH |
Filtration | Gentle flow preferred |
Aquascape | Heavily planted, open swimming areas |
Lighting | Moderate to bright (shows off iridescence) |
Cover | Tight-fitting lid – they can jump! |
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
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
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
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)
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
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.
Would you like a tank setup guide or a community stocking list with Forktails as the centerpiece?
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