Pacific Blue-eye

Melanotaeniidae sp.

Pacific Blue-eye (Melanotaeniidae sp.) — Varies care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 25 US gal min; aim for 68–79°F and pH 6.5–7.5. The Pacific Blue-eye is suitable for aquarists looking for a vibrant, mid-level swimmer with a semi-aggressive temperament.

Pacific Blue-eye (Melanotaeniidae sp.) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size25 US gal min
pH range6.5–7.5
Temperature68–79°F
Max size2.8 in (7.0 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.

Pacific Blue-eye Tank Setup

Create an environment that balances open swimming space with ample cover from plants or decorations to reduce territorial disputes. A gentle water flow replicates their natural habitat, while a neutral substrate and moderate lighting can enhance their coloration and overall well-being.

What Do Pacific Blue-eyes Eat?

The Pacific Blue-eye is an omnivore that feeds with moderate speed, so it’s essential to ensure even distribution of food to prevent competition. Their health and vibrancy can benefit from a varied diet that includes both flakes and live or frozen foods, promoting optimal coloration and vitality.

Pacific Blue-eye Tank Mates

Ideal companions include similarly-sized, moderately active species that occupy different vertical zones to minimize competition. Caution is warranted with overly aggressive or fast feeders that could outcompete them, while maintaining a diverse community can help mitigate intraspecies aggression due to their semi-aggressive nature.

Are Pacific Blue-eyes Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies with setup and individual fish; use the numbers above as your baseline. Aquarists often overlook the importance of providing enough cover and territory, leading to increased stress and aggression. neglecting water parameters can result in health issues, as fluctuations outside their preferred range might compromise their immune systems.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.