Forktail Rainbow

Forktail Rainbow: Pseudomugil furcatus, the fork-tailed rainbowfish, is simple to breed, has stunning colors, and is a robust fish.

This little rainbowfish measures less than two inches and when fully grown, blends very well with other little shoaling fish in a lush community aquarium.

Forktail Rainbow will adapt to a wide range of water conditions, from soft, slightly acidic water to hard, alkaline water, as long as it is introduced to its new aquarium gradually.

Native to eastern Papua New Guinea’s Peria Creek and Kwagira River, fork-tailed rainbowfish are only found in the wild in a relatively tiny portion of Milne Bay Province. 

These fish are like slow-moving streams that are covered in dense vegetation because they can easily access their favorite meals, which include zooplankton, phytoplankton, and invertebrates. 

Forktail rainbowfish are rarely caught in the wild. They are produced at fish farms for the aquarium industry because they are simple to breed.

Most other Pseudomugil species have comparable care requirements, such as red neon blue eye rainbowfish (Pseudomugil luminatus) and Gertrude’s spotted blue eye rainbowfish (Pseudomugil gertrudae), so look for the sort of nano rainbowfish that appeals to you. While we do not send live fish, you can view what is available from our preferred online vendors.

II. You would love the fish because…

Pseudomugil furcatus is native to Papua New Guinea’s rainforests, where it can be found in clearwater streams abounding with plant life. This 2-inch (5-cm) rainbowfish is distinguished by its bright blue eyes, yellow fins, and distinctive fork pattern on the tail.

Because of the yellow tips on their pectoral fins, the fish appear to be waving miniature pom-poms as they swim around. Females are less colorful than males, as are most rainbowfish, however, we recommend obtaining 1-2 females for every male. Males display brighter colors in the presence of females and “spar” with each other in a beautiful, circular dance.

III. Is this fish species peaceful or hostile?

A peaceful fish.

IV. Species compatibility

Smaller Goby or Catfish species, Danios, Tetras, Rasboras, Dwarf Cichlids, and other small Rainbowfish.

V. How to feed this species?

These are small fish with small mouths, strive for a selection of smaller items that will provide them with a good diversity of nutrients. They are not picky and enjoy eating: Daphnia, cyclops, and newborn brine shrimp, all frozen Hikari Micro Pellets Xtreme Nano Pellets Krill Flakes Freeze-Dried Daphnia. Live newborn brine shrimp for easy fry and small fish food.