Description
Caring for Pseudomugil tenellus, commonly known as the Delicate Blue-eye, requires attention to water quality, tank setup, and diet to ensure their health and wellbeing. Here’s a comprehensive guide:
Tank Requirements
- Tank Size: A minimum of 20 gallons (75 liters) for a small group, as they are active swimmers.
- Tank Setup:
- Provide plenty of open swimming space.
- Include fine-leaved plants like Java moss, Hornwort, or Vallisneria to mimic their natural habitat and provide hiding spots.
- Use driftwood or leaf litter to create tannin-stained, slightly acidic water if replicating their native environment.
- A sandy or fine gravel substrate works well.
Water Parameters
- Temperature: 22-28°C (72-82°F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Hardness: 5-15 dGH
- Water Flow: Moderate water movement; they prefer clean, well-oxygenated water.
- Filtration: A sponge filter or a gentle HOB filter is ideal to avoid creating too much current.
Regular water changes (25-30% weekly) are crucial to maintain pristine water conditions, as they are sensitive to poor water quality.
Diet
Pseudomugil tenellus are omnivorous and thrive on a varied diet:
- Live/Frozen Foods: Daphnia, brine shrimp, mosquito larvae, and bloodworms.
- Dry Foods: High-quality micro-pellets and crushed flakes.
- Vegetation: Occasionally, supplement with blanched spinach or spirulina-based food.
Feed small amounts twice a day, ensuring the food is small enough for their tiny mouths.
Behavior and Compatibility
- Social Behavior: Peaceful schooling fish. Keep in groups of 6 or more to reduce stress and display natural behaviors.
- Tankmates:
- Other small, peaceful fish like Celestial Pearl Danios, Neon Tetras, or other small rainbowfish species.
- Avoid aggressive or fin-nipping species.
- Consider including bottom-dwellers like Corydoras or Otocinclus for compatibility.
Breeding
- Sexing: Males are more colorful with extended fins, while females are smaller and less vibrant.
- Spawning Conditions:
- Slightly raise the temperature to 26-28°C (79-82°F).
- Add spawning mops or fine plants as they scatter eggs.
- Remove adults after spawning to prevent egg predation.
- Eggs hatch in about 7-10 days, and fry can be fed infusoria or finely powdered fry food initially, transitioning to brine shrimp nauplii as they grow.
General Care Tips
- Avoid sudden changes in water parameters to minimize stress.
- Use a tightly fitting lid; they are known jumpers.
- Monitor for diseases, as they are sensitive to parasites and water quality issues.
With proper care, Pseudomugil tenellus can live up to 3-4 years and display vibrant colors and active behavior, making them a delightful addition to a well-maintained aquarium.
