Ivantsoff’s Blue Eye Rainbow
Ivantsoff’s Blue Eye Rainbow (Pseudomugil ivantsoffi) is a beautiful and less commonly available Pseudomugil named for Australian ichthyologist Walter Ivantsoff, who contributed greatly to the study of this genus. Males display a warm golden to orange body tone with characteristic spotted fin markings and vivid blue eyes — a similar aesthetic to the Spotted Blue Eye but with warmer overall tones.
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 in a low-competition environment.
Native to river systems in the Gulf Province of Papua New Guinea and surrounding areas. Inhabits slow-moving, heavily vegetated, soft, slightly acidic to neutral freshwater streams. Care follows standard Pseudomugil guidelines.
Keep in groups of at least eight with mixed sexes. Male display behavior includes fin-fanning and color intensification. Completely peaceful — keep with only small, non-aggressive species. Its relative rarity in the hobby makes it a rewarding find.
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 for best display |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Baby |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Gulf Province, Papua New Guinea |
| Notes | Named for ichthyologist Walter Ivantsoff. Warm golden-orange body with spotted fin markings. Less commonly available than most Pseudomugil. Keep with only small peaceful species. |
