Explore the Spotted Blue-Eye: A Stunning Australian Native Fish

📸 Photo Notice: The Spotted Blue-Eye pictured are our parent stock - these are the adult fish we breed from. The juveniles you receive will be 1–2 cm at time of sale, but will grow to look just like the fish shown in these photos.

The Spotted Blue-Eye is one of the most beautiful nano rainbowfish in the aquarium hobby. Known for their bright yellow fins covered in black spotting and their striking blue eyes, these fish create an incredible display in planted aquariums.

Native to northern Australia and Papua New Guinea, Spotted Blue-Eyes are energetic schooling fish that constantly interact with one another. Males display their large fins and vivid patterns while competing for attention from females, creating a stunning and lively display throughout the aquarium.

These fish are especially impressive in planted aquariums and natural-style aquascapes, where their colour and movement stand out against plants and driftwood.

At N8 Aquatics, our fish are carefully raised and conditioned to ensure healthy stock suited to home aquariums.

Recommended Group Sizes

Spotted Blue-Eyes are true schooling fish and show their best colour and behaviour when kept in groups.

While small groups can be kept, larger groups create a far more impressive display as males interact and constantly show their colours.

Recommended group sizes:

• 6 fish – starter group
• 8–10 fish – ideal display group
• 12+ fish – full schooling display

Larger groups allow natural behaviour and make the aquarium much more active.

Why Larger Groups Look Better

In smaller groups males may suppress their colours to avoid conflict.

In larger groups males will:

• flare their fins
• display bright colours and spotting
• perform short courtship displays
• interact constantly with other fish

This creates the fast-moving colourful displays rainbowfish are famous for.

Species Snapshot

• Size Sold: Juveniles (1–2 cm)
• Adult Size: 3–4 cm
• Tank Size: 40 L minimum
• Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
• Temperature: 23–28°C
• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• Difficulty: Easy

Key Information

• Scientific Name: Pseudomugil gertrudae
• Common Name: Spotted Blue-Eye / Gertrudae Rainbowfish
• Adult Size: Approximately 3–4 cm
• Temperament: Peaceful schooling fish
• Difficulty Level: Easy

Recommended Tank Setup

Spotted Blue-Eyes thrive in planted aquariums with gentle flow and open swimming space.

Ideal aquascape features include:

• dense live plants
• floating plants such as frogbit or duckweed
• driftwood or natural hardscape
• fine leaf plants or spawning mops

Planted tanks help bring out their colours while providing natural cover.

Water Parameters

These fish are adaptable but prefer clean, stable water conditions.

• Temperature: 23–28 °C
• pH: 6.0 – 7.5
• GH: 3 – 12 dGH
• Water Flow: Low to moderate

Regular water changes help maintain colour and overall health.

Diet

Spotted Blue-Eyes are micro-predators that benefit from a varied diet.

Recommended foods include:

• high quality micro pellets
• crushed flake foods
• baby brine shrimp
• daphnia
• microworms or other live foods

A varied diet helps maintain colour and promotes strong growth.

Compatibility

Spotted Blue-Eyes are peaceful and ideal for community aquariums with other small fish.

Suitable tankmates include:

• small tetras
• rasboras
• Corydoras
• peaceful nano fish
• shrimp in planted tanks

Avoid aggressive or large fish.

Behaviour

Male Spotted Blue-Eyes constantly display their fins and spotted patterns while competing for attention from females.

In larger groups this behaviour becomes especially impressive, creating a beautiful and constantly active display in planted aquariums.

They may also spawn regularly in planted tanks or spawning mops.

Why Buy From N8 Aquatics

• Carefully raised aquarium fish
• Healthy, well-conditioned stock
• Strong genetics and vibrant colouration
• Breeder support if you have questions

Our fish are raised with attention to water quality, diet, and husbandry to ensure customers receive healthy livestock ready for their aquarium.

Pickup Information

N8 Aquatics currently operates as a local pickup-only breeder in Central Queensland.

Orders are collected by appointment after purchase confirmation.

Please ensure you are able to collect your fish before placing an order.

Important

All livestock sold by N8 Aquatics should be introduced to fully cycled aquariums suitable for the species being kept.

Please ensure your aquarium setup and tankmates are appropriate before purchasing.

Introduction to the Spotted Blue-Eye

The Spotted Blue-Eye (Pseudomugil gertrudae) is a captivating species native to Australian freshwater habitats. Measuring between 1-1.5cm, this small but vibrant fish offers aquarium enthusiasts a unique blend of color and hardy nature. Known for its distinctive spotted pattern and shimmering blue eyes, it serves as an excellent addition to home or community aquariums. This species thrives in well-maintained environments and contributes significantly to biodiversity awareness, making it a sought-after native fish among hobbyists who appreciate both aesthetic appeal and ecological importance.

Care and Habitat Requirements

Caring for the Spotted Blue-Eye requires maintaining water conditions that mimic its natural Australian environment. Optimal tank parameters include a temperature range of 22-26°C, soft to moderately hard water, and a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. This species prefers planted tanks with ample hiding spots and gentle water flow, reflecting their river and creek habitats. Proper care ensures that the Spotted Blue-Eye displays its full brilliant coloration and active behavior. Regular water changes and quality nutrition based on small live or frozen foods will promote health and longevity.

Benefits of Keeping Spotted Blue-Eyes in Your Aquarium

Having the Spotted Blue-Eye in your aquarium offers several advantages, including their peaceful temperament and adaptability to community tanks. Their small size and striking appearance add variety and interest to aquascapes without overwhelming other species. Additionally, their Australian native status helps support the conservation of local species by raising awareness and appreciation. These fish can also be a fascinating subject for observation due to their social behavior and reproductive habits. Overall, they make an excellent choice for both novice and experienced aquarium keepers seeking a colorful native species.