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. π Forktail Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil...
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
Furcata Rainbowfish
Fork-tailed Blue-eye
| 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) |
| 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.
| 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 |
| 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) |
| Parameter | Ideal Range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 22β28Β°C (72β82Β°F) |
| pH | 6.0β7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard (3β12 dGH) |
| Ammonia/Nitrites | 0 ppm (very sensitive) |
| 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 |
| Type | Food Items |
|---|---|
| Omnivorous | - High-quality micro pellets- Flake food- Live/frozen daphnia, baby brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, micro worms |
Small mouths β food should be tiny.
A varied diet enhances color and breeding behavior.
| 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 | 7β10 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.
Sensitive to poor water quality β 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.
The species name "furcatus" means βforked,β 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.
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