Rainbowfish Forktail ~ Pseudomugil furcata

The Forktail Rainbowfish, also known as the Yellow-Finned Blue Eye, is a small, peaceful fish known for its vibrant colors and unique forked tail. With a bright yellow fin and shimmering blue eyes, this active species is native to the clear, fast-flowing streams of Papua New Guinea. Forktail Rainbowfish are perfect for small to medium-sized community tanks, where their active swimming and eye-catching colors add a lively touch.

- Size: 2-2.5 inches  
- Lifespan: 3-5 years  
- Temperament: Peaceful, social  
- Group/Solitary: Best kept in groups of 6+  
- Food: Omnivorous, high-quality flake food, live/frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia)  
- Water Requirements: 72-79°F, pH 6.0-7.5, soft to moderately hard water

Forktail Rainbowfish thrive in well-planted aquariums with moderate water flow to simulate their native streams. They are highly social and show their best colors and behaviors in schools of six or more, where the males often display to one another, showing off their bright yellow fins and striking blue eyes. They do best on a varied diet that includes high-quality flakes or micro-pellets and live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia, which bring out their colors. These rainbowfish prefer slightly acidic to neutral water with stable, clean conditions, making regular water changes and good filtration important.

Native to the rivers and streams of Papua New Guinea, Forktail Rainbowfish are adapted to clear, oxygen-rich waters and are accustomed to plenty of plants and surface cover. They are known for their schooling behavior and dynamic interactions, which make them ideal for peaceful community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish.

Fun Fact: The striking forked tail fin of this rainbowfish gives it an extra boost in fast currents, helping it dart through water quickly—an adaptation for survival in the fast-flowing streams of its native habitat.