Forktail Blue-eye — a Pseudomugilidae from N Australia & New Guinea, peaceful schooling fish; males shimmer and spar gently. Reaches 4–8 cm; groups of 6–8 minimum; larger schools calm them. 20–26 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
20–26 °C
pH
6.5–7.5
GH hardness
5–15 dGH
Adult length
4–8 cm
Minimum tank
77 L
Water layer
Middle of the water column
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Peaceful schooling fish; males shimmer and spar gently
Origin
N Australia & New Guinea
Species overview
Pseudomugil furcatus, a member of the family Pseudomugilidae, is native to N Australia & New Guinea. Its iridescence is honest signalling: colour and condition track water quality and age together. It swims in mid-water. Adults reach 4–8 cm. Groups of 6–8 minimum; larger schools calm them. Provide swimming length, clean hard water and a big school; patience does the rest. Maintain 20–26 °C at pH 6.5–7.5. A rewarding species for the aquarist who reads before buying.
Native biotope
Habitat
Warm freshwater streams and lakes
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate oxygen levels
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Fine sand and gravel
Hardscape
Driftwood and smooth stones
Plants
Hardy common aquarium plants
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Groups of 6–8 minimum; larger schools calm them
Diet
Omnivore; quality flakes plus vegetable matter
Recommended tankmates
Robust peaceful cyprinids — Add motion without menace
Avoid keeping with
Small timid fish — Outcompeted at feeding time
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Subtle external differences
Breeding method
Prolific egg-scatterer when kept hard and alkaline