Pacific Blue Eye Rainbow

Pacific Blue Eye Rainbows are small, lively freshwater fish known for their shimmering blue eyes, delicate finnage, and constant movement in the aquarium. They are a peaceful schooling species that works well in planted community tanks and are especially effective in aquariums where their colour and activity can really stand out.

Care Level: Easy to moderate. They are hardy once settled, but they do best in a mature, stable aquarium rather than a newly set-up tank.

Temperament: Peaceful, active, and social.

Maximum Size: Usually around 3–4 cm as adults, making them a good option for smaller peaceful aquariums.

Minimum Tank Size:
A tank of around 40–60 litres is a sensible starting point for a small group, especially if well planted and maintained. Smaller tanks may work for experienced keepers, but a bit more water volume gives better stability and swimming room.

How Many Should Be Kept Together?
Pacific Blue Eye Rainbows should be kept in a group of at least 6 or more. Like many small rainbowfish and blue-eyes, they are much more confident, active, and attractive when kept in a proper shoal rather than alone or in pairs.

Ideal Water Temperature:
They tolerate a fairly broad range, but a good working range for home aquariums is around 22–26°C. Stable temperature is important, even though this species is known to handle a wider range than many tropical fish.

Water Conditions:
They do best in clean, well-filtered water with stable parameters. This species is naturally found in a wide range of habitats, including freshwater and even brackish environments, but in the home aquarium they are generally kept in stable freshwater community tanks. A planted tank with some open swimming space suits them well.

Diet:
Pacific Blue Eye Rainbows are small omnivores and do best on a varied diet of fine flakes, micro pellets, and small frozen or live foods. Because of their small mouths, food size matters.

Compatibility:
They are well suited to peaceful community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish. They can also work with peaceful invertebrates, though very tiny shrimp fry may still be at risk in a mixed tank.

Things to Be Cautious Of:
These fish can be stressed by sudden changes in water quality, so they are best added to a mature tank rather than an unstable new setup. Because they are small and gentle, they should not be housed with large, aggressive, or fast-fin-nipping tank mates. They also appreciate plant cover and a secure aquarium environment where they feel safe.

Helpful Notes:
Pacific Blue Eye Rainbows are a great choice for aquarists wanting a smaller schooling fish with subtle but beautiful colour and lots of movement. They look best in planted aquariums and in groups where males can display to one another.