Gertrudae Spotted Blue-eye ~ Pseudomugil gertrudae

The Spotted Blue Eye Rainbowfish, also known as Gertrude’s Rainbowfish, is a small, delicate species famous for its translucent body, vibrant yellow and blue coloration, and distinctive spotted dorsal and anal fins. This beautiful fish is native to the freshwater swamps and streams of Northern Australia and New Guinea. Its peaceful nature and stunning appearance make it a unique addition to well-maintained nano or community tanks.

- Size: 1-1.5 inches  
- Lifespan: 3-5 years  
- Temperament: Peaceful, social  
- Group/Solitary: Best kept in groups of 8+  
- Food: Omnivorous, high-quality micro-pellets, live/frozen foods (baby brine shrimp, daphnia)  
- Water Requirements: 74-82°F, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard water

Spotted Blue Eye Rainbowfish are schooling fish that thrive in groups, where they show off their best colors and active social behavior. They do best in densely planted tanks with gentle water flow, as they prefer the shaded, calm waters of their natural habitat. Their diet should include high-quality micro-pellets and live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp or daphnia to support their health and vibrant colors. This species is peaceful and does well with other similarly sized, non-aggressive fish in a community setting, though they’re often best displayed in species-specific tanks where they can interact freely without competition.

Native to slow-moving streams, swamps, and billabongs in Australia and New Guinea, these fish thrive in environments with plenty of vegetation and subdued lighting, which mimics the dappled light in their natural habitat. Spotted Blue Eye Rainbowfish are known for their intricate courtship displays, where males flare their fins to attract females, making them highly dynamic and visually captivating.

Fun Fact: During courtship, male Spotted Blue Eye Rainbowfish perform an elaborate “dance,” flaring their spotted fins and showing intense colors to attract mates, making them one of the most engaging rainbowfish species to observe in a home aquarium.