Forktail Blue-eye

Melanotaeniidae sp.

Forktail Blue-eye (Melanotaeniidae sp.) — Varies care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 22 US gal min; aim for 75–82°F and pH 6.5–7.5. The Forktail Blue-eye is well-suited for both novice and experienced aquarists due to its manageable size and vibrant appearance.

Forktail Blue-eye (Melanotaeniidae sp.) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size22 US gal min
pH range6.5–7.5
Temperature75–82°F
Max size2.2 in (5.5 cm)
Captive lifespan5–8 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Australia

  • Australia & Oceania

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Forktail Blue-eye Tank Setup

A balanced tank design should incorporate both open swimming areas and strategic cover. Utilize plants, driftwood, or rocks to create visual barriers while maintaining clear swimming paths. A substrate that supports rooting plants can enhance both aesthetic appeal and habitat complexity, while moderate lighting will encourage natural behavior without overwhelming the fish.

What Do Forktail Blue-eyes Eat?

The Forktail Blue-eye is an omnivore with a healthy appetite, but feeding must be managed to prevent competition, especially in mixed tanks. Opt for small, varied food types to encourage foraging behavior and maintain vibrancy.

Forktail Blue-eye Tank Mates

Tank mates should ideally be of similar size and temperament, with species that are also mid-water swimmers to minimize competition for space. Good candidates include smaller tetras or rasboras, while larger or overly aggressive species may trigger stress. Intraspecies dynamics are generally non-confrontational, allowing solitary or small groups to coexist without significant issues, although a single individual can become stressed in a too-competitive environment.

Are Forktail Blue-eyes Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies with setup and individual fish; use the numbers above as your baseline. Aquarists often underestimate the importance of tank structure, leading to stress and territorial disputes. misjudging the compatibility of tank mates can result in aggressive interactions.

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