I hate to do this, but these guys in the original post are actually P. gertrudae, the Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish (lovely friends). P. furcatus (Forktail Blue-Eye Rainbows) are these critters:
BUT ALSO, this is the PERFECT opportunity to talk about one of my favourite genuses (plural?), SO HAVE SOME MORE SPARKLY FEEEEEESH!!!
P. gertrudae:
P. pelucidus:
P. luminatus:
P. paskai: (some confusion surrounds the identification of these guys, as they are exceptionally similar to P. luminatus. It is now understood that fish circulated as P. paskai in the hobby are actually P. luminatus, as paskais have not become established commercially, and both genetic and physical differences exist between the two. Source)
P. cyanodorsalis: (these guys are euryhaline, meaning that they are capable of occupying pure freshwater, but also a vast range of salinities – including fully marine conditions and even waters reaching a specific gravity of 1.030(!!!!); considerably higher than sea water. However, mild to moderate brackish conditions are preferred)
P. reticulatus:
P. signifer: (also euryhaline – found in freshwater to marine conditions. Mildly brackish conditions probably best)
P. ivantsoffi:
Pseudomugil novaeguineae:
P. mellis:
P. connieae:
P. tenellus:
Also, have another rainbow – Rhadinocentrus ornatus:
These three pictures are all of the same species! The only species within its genus, their extreme colour differences are a matter of geographical range.
ANYWAY
As far as I’m concerned, Blue Eye Rainbows and Rhads are dramatically underrated.
…
I LIVE FOR THEM ALL
Obviously I’d do more research before buying them, but what kind of tank set up do these guys prefer? Theyre so pretty, and I’d like to know whether I’d be able to afford a setup for them 🙂
These guys are generally pretty easy keep, and setup doesn’t need to be pricey at all! The smallest suggested tank is a 10g, but while they are very small and not the most active fish, more space is obviously better. Water chemistry varies according to species, but largely leans towards the neutral/moderately hard bracket and the majority are tropical (though P. luminatus is an exception to this: they edge more towards temperate climates). Flow, again, varies, but many species seem to enjoy a moderate amount of it. They are generally very peaceful (again, there are exceptions, such as P. ivantsoffi, which would do better in a harem) and very sociable (min group of 8), but they are shy, so shouldn’t be considered for the ‘general’ community unless the tank mates are similarly peaceful, not too boisterous and uncompetitive when feeding. They’ll do best in a well planted/decorated aquarium with lots of cover and floating plants – and they do jump. Definitely need a lid.
Unfortunately, many Pseudomugil species are difficult to get hold of – and some are endangered and entirely unavailable to the hobby – but there are a few species that pop up more regularly. Ideal choices would be P. gertrudae (easier to find than most of the others, adaptable and beautiful), P. luminatus, and P. furcatus. P. signifer can also be found fairly regularly, if wanting a brackish setup. (However, with signifers I’d suggest caution when sourcing them: you’ll normally see the Southern form, which is a good thing, but it’s best to double-check their origin because the Northern strain is larger and considerably more aggressive.).
The pro with any pseudomugil, though, are the MEGA beautiful displays the males perform. The colours and the fins…just…wow.
BettSplendens Tumblr Evac 