Spotted blue-eye - Pseudomugil gertrudae
Scientific name: Pseudomugil gertrudae
Common name: Spotted blue-eye
Family: Pseudomugilidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 2 - 4 cm (0.79 - 1.57 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.2 - 7.6
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 12°N (89.29 - 214.29ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 23 - 30 °C (73.4 - 86°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: Oceania
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Middle levels
Origin
Spotted blue-eye is to be found in Northern Australia and New Guinea.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Pseudomugil gertrudae is 3-5 years.
Short description
Mostly kept in species aquariums, it can also be kept with other small tank mates. High water quality is required with regular water changes and hiding places along with plants should be added to the tank. These fish originate from still waters that are dense with vegetation and in conditions very similar to black water, in the aquarium this will need to be replicated by the use of dim lighting and the addition of tannins in the water will be appreciated. Adding floating plants will help to diffuse the lighting and also provide hiding places by adding wood or similar to make the fish feel secure.
The Spotted Blue-eye is not considered a hardy species so always make sure that the aquarium is cycled as they are intolerant of swings in water parameters which will occur in newly set up aquariums. Keep the water well oxygenated and perform regular water changes to keep the quality high.
They are classed as a peaceful and timid species and must be kept in small groups, they will become skittish and feel intimidated if kept in too small a group so at least 10 specimens should be housed together.
Food and feeding
Quality flake will be accepted by this fish, also include in the diet frozen foods like brine shrimp and blood worm. They will prefer meatier foods as compared to flake but using quality flake will ensure that they receive a balanced diet. Also remember that they only have small mouths so make sure that any food particles can be swallowed easily by feeding small amounts at a time and keeping the size of the food particles to a suitable size.
Sexing
Males tend to have longer, flowing fins. On the females their fins tend to be rounded. Males also have a greenish, yellow body color with yellow pectoral fins.
Breeding
Spotted blue-eyes do best with the addition of spawning mops in the bottom of the breeding tank. The female will lay 1-3 eggs per day and after a week the mops can be removed to another tank. The eggs will take a while to hatch, normally after 20 days, a few days later the fry will be free swimming. Their initial food should be Infusoria, as they grow feed them on newly hatched brine shrimp.
To get the best results you should add several females with each male and keep checking the tank for eggs, spawning can take place over several hours and the male will try to spawn with each female. No parental care will be shown so the eggs should be removed from the breeding tank before they get eaten.
Picture
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.