Description
Forktail Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil furcatus)
📌 Basic Info
Scientific Name: Pseudomugil furcatus
Common Names: Forktail Blue-eye, Forktail Rainbowfish, Furcata Rainbowfish
Family: Pseudomugilidae (Blue-eyes)
Order: Atheriniformes
Origin: Papua New Guinea — found in rainforest streams, clear creeks, and shallow backwaters
Size: Up to 2.5 inches (6 cm)
Lifespan: 3 – 5 years
Tank Zone: Upper and mid-water swimmer
🌊 Water Parameters
TDS: 120 – 250 ppm
pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Temperature: 24 – 28°C (75 – 82°F)
Hardness: 5 – 12 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
Body: Slender, semi-transparent body with iridescent yellow-silver sheen and a distinctly forked tail.
Fins: Males show bright yellow fins with black edges and striking blue eyes.
Females: Smaller, paler, and less colorful than males.
Behavior: Energetic and peaceful schooling fish; enjoys open swimming space and mild current.
Display: Males display and flare fins to each other and females — stunning to watch in planted tanks.
🍽️ Food
Type: Omnivorous (micro-predator)
Diet: Crushed flakes, micro-pellets, live or frozen baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and fine frozen foods.
Feeding Frequency: 2–3 small feedings daily.
Tip: Provide live food often to enhance color and breeding activity.
🛠️ Maintenance
Tank Size: Minimum 20 gallons (75 L) for a group.
Filtration: Gentle filtration with mild current; sponge or canister filters are ideal.
Decor: Well-planted tank with fine-leaved plants (Java Moss, Cabomba) and open swimming areas.
Lighting: Moderate to bright; helps display colors beautifully.
Water Change: 20–30% weekly with stable water conditions.
👥 Social Behavior
Group Size: Keep in groups of at least 8–10 for natural behavior and best color display.
Tank Mates: Peaceful community fish like Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras, and Shrimp.
Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
✅ Do’s
• Keep in groups for active schooling behavior
• Feed live and frozen foods for best coloration
• Maintain clean, stable, warm water
• Provide plants and floating cover for comfort
❌ Don’ts
• Don’t mix with large or aggressive species
• Don’t expose to strong water currents
• Don’t allow big water parameter changes
⭐ Quick Tips
The Forktail Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil furcatus) is a small, dazzling species known for its forked yellow tail, blue eyes, and lively behavior. It’s perfect for planted community tanks and thrives in soft, slightly warm water. Keeping a group ensures bright coloration and playful displays — an ideal choice for nano and aquascaped aquariums.
