Delicate Blue Eye Rainbow
Delicate Blue Eye Rainbow (Pseudomugil tenellus) lives up to its name — this is one of the more delicate and refined Pseudomugil species, with a slender, almost translucent body and the characteristic vivid blue eyes of the genus. Males display pale fin markings with subtle iridescence. The species name tenellus means 'delicate' or 'tender.'
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Baby makes an excellent daily staple — crush lightly before feeding. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily. This species is particularly sensitive to competition at feeding time — ensure all fish receive adequate food.
Native to northern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea. Inhabits slow-moving, heavily vegetated freshwater streams and floodplains. As its name implies, this species is somewhat more delicate than other Pseudomugil and benefits from particularly stable, clean water conditions.
Keep in groups of at least eight with mixed sexes. Keep only with other very small, non-aggressive species. More sensitive to poor water quality and fluctuating conditions than hardier Pseudomugil species.
Blue-eye rainbowfish are best kept in a densely planted aquarium with fine-leaved plants and gentle filtration — strong currents will exhaust these small fish. They are most spectacular in natural-toned setups with dark substrate where the iridescent fin extensions and vivid eye color catch the light. Keep only with other small, peaceful species. Larger or more boisterous tankmates will outcompete them for food and space.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — Nano Community |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum — mixed sexes; particularly sensitive to water quality |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.5–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 3–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Baby |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Northern Australia and southern Papua New Guinea |
| Notes | Tenellus means 'delicate' — somewhat more sensitive than other Pseudomugil. Stable water quality particularly important. Keep with only very small peaceful species. |
