Common Name: Pacific Blue Eye
Description: The most widespread and variable of the blue eyes that inhabit the freshwater and brackish rivers and estuaries of coastal Eastern Australia. It lives in very large schools in areas with dense vegetation, so it is an ideal candidate for the planted aquarium. While some populations of this fish inhabit brackish or even fully marine water, it is not necessary to provide brackish water in the aquarium. Males display brilliant yellow to orange coloration on their bodies and fins, particularly while competing/posturing with other males. Females also possess this attractive coloration, but to lesser extent. Both males and females feature stunningly bright blue eyes that contrasts beautifully with their yellow to orange bodies.
Category: Rainbowfish
Global Region: Australia
Distribution: None
Genetic Line: Aquarium Strain
Year Acquired: 2022
Sourced from local fish store. Easily bred. I keep a small group in a 75 gallon South Johnstone River (Australian) biotope.
Video of aquarist's species:
Spawning notes:
Species Spawned: Yes
Easily spawned. Start with a group in a tank with java moss or a spawning mop. Leave adults in the tank for two weeks. Then remove the adults OR move the plants/mop to another tank. The eggs will hatch in another week or so. The eggs take a long time to hatch.
Have Reared Fry? Yes
The fry are small. Start with green water, vinegar eels or other small food. After a week you can move to powdered food or freshly hatched brine shrimp. Fish grow slowly, speed up with small water changes each day.