Gertrude's Blue Eye Rainbow

The Spotted Blue-Eye (Pseudomugil gertrudae), also known as Gertrude's blue-eye, is a tiny, peaceful freshwater fish with glowing electric blue eyes, translucent bodies, and delicate spotted fins. Native to northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, and eastern Indonesia, it is a popular choice for planted nano aquariums.

Physical Traits & Lifespan

Size:

• Grows to an adult length of 3 to 3.8 cm (1.2 to 1.5 inches).

Appearance:

• Silvery-clear body with dark scale edges.
• Features three horizontal lines on the rear tail area.
• Bright yellow-tinted fins marked with black dots.
• Males have longer, golden-yellow pectoral fins.

Lifespan:

• Typically lives 1.5 to 3 years in home aquariums.
• Some individuals can live up to 5 years with ideal care.

Natural Habitat & Water Requirements

Origin:

• Found in slow-moving creeks, swampy marshes, and shaded rainforest streams with dense vegetation or leaf litter.

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 22°C to 30°C (72°F to 86°F).
• pH Level: 5.2 to 7.5 (prefers slightly acidic to neutral water).
• Water Hardness: 5 to 12 dGH.

Tank Care & Behavior

Social Style:

• Active shoaling fish; thrives in groups of at least 6 to 8 individuals.

Tank Mates:

• Best suited for nano tanks or peaceful community setups.
• Compatible with tiny, non-aggressive tank mates and dwarf shrimp.

Diet:

• Omnivorous.
• Accepts high-quality micro-pellets, crushed flakes, and live or frozen baby brine shrimp and daphnia.

This serene and visually stunning fish is a perfect addition to any peaceful aquarium, offering a vibrant touch of nature to your aquatic environment!