Spotted Blue-eye

About the Spotted Blue-eye

The Spotted Blue-eye is one of the most delicate and beautiful nano fish available, admired for its brilliant sky-blue eyes, transparent fins covered in intricate black spots, and graceful display behaviour. Native to northern Australia and southern New Guinea, this peaceful species inhabits slow-moving streams, wetlands, and heavily vegetated lagoons, making it an outstanding choice for planted aquariums and nano aquascapes.

Males are especially spectacular, developing elongated dorsal and anal fins decorated with rows of black spots and displaying to one another with an elegant fluttering dance. Females are slightly smaller with shorter fins and more subdued colours. When kept in heavily planted aquariums with dark substrates, their shimmering gold body and vivid blue eyes become even more striking.

Spotted Blue-eyes are highly social and should be kept in groups of at least 8–10. Their peaceful temperament makes them ideal companions for Celestial Pearl Danios, Ember Tetras, Chili Rasboras, Strawberry Rasboras, Pygmy Corydoras, Otocinclus, Medaka, and freshwater shrimp.

A varied diet of premium nano pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, microworms, vinegar eels, daphnia, cyclops, and other tiny live or frozen foods will maximise their colouration, health, and breeding behaviour.

Elegant, peaceful, and full of personality, the Spotted Blue-eye is one of the finest nano fish for planted aquariums and Australian biotope displays.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Pseudomugil gertrudae

Common Name

Spotted Blue-eye

Origin

Northern Australia and Southern New Guinea

Adult Size

3–4 cm

Temperament

Peaceful

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

40 Litres

Temperature

23–28°C

pH

6.0–7.5

Water Hardness

2–12 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner

Lifespan

2–4 Years

Suitable For

Nano aquariums, planted tanks, shrimp aquariums, blackwater aquariums, and peaceful community aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

How many Spotted Blue-eyes should I keep?

Spotted Blue-eyes are schooling fish and should always be kept in groups of at least 8–10. Larger groups encourage natural display behaviour and reduce stress.

Are Spotted Blue-eyes peaceful?

Yes. They are extremely peaceful and make excellent companions for other small nano fish and freshwater shrimp.

What do Spotted Blue-eyes eat?

They thrive on premium nano pellets, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, microworms, daphnia, cyclops, and other small live or frozen foods.

Can Spotted Blue-eyes live with shrimp?

Yes. They are one of the best fish for shrimp aquariums and are generally safe with adult Cherry Shrimp, Crystal Shrimp, and Amano Shrimp. Very small shrimplets may occasionally be eaten.

Are Spotted Blue-eyes easy to breed?

Yes. They are relatively easy to breed in mature planted aquariums. They scatter adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants and spawning mops over an extended period.

Common Mistakes

Keeping them in small groups

Spotted Blue-eyes become shy and display less colour when kept in groups smaller than eight.

Feeding oversized foods

Their tiny mouths require fine pellets, crushed flakes, and appropriately sized live or frozen foods.

Bright aquariums with little cover

Dense planting, floating plants, and dark substrates help these fish feel secure and display their brightest colours.

Poor water quality

Stable water conditions, regular maintenance, and gentle filtration are essential for long-term health.

Keeping them with large or aggressive fish

Choose peaceful nano species that won't intimidate or prey on these delicate fish.