These little guys are hardy. With beautifull blue eyes and iridescent stripes, they’re called Blue Eye Rainbowfish, yet many hobbyists hesitate to keep them because of a myth. Why?
Because there’s this misconception about them. The myth says these fish comes from Australia and need huge tanks and large groups to live happy. What most people don’t realize is how peaceful these fish can be.
Rumor has it that blue eye rainbowfish demand large, aggressive schooling group. The beauty of blue eye rainbowfish is that they’re adaptable. If you set up your tank right, you can even keep them in a small space and have a healthy population.
Yes, you’ll need to know how to provide for their social requirements, but you can keep them in a small (planted) tank. However, you need to plan more then you would for a community tank with tetras. The payoff is a harmonious tank.
Complete Guide To Blue Eye Rainbowfish Care
Debunking Blue Eye Rainbowfish Myths
The key to successfully keeping any species start with water quality. This holds true for Blue Eye Rainbowfish as well. Because they come from nutrient poor streams, they will not tolerate waste.
Water Quality and Maintenance Essentials
Smaller tanks will concentrate contaminants more rapidely than larger ones. A large tank do not make up for lack of adequate filtration or maintenance. Plan on following a tight maintenance schedule using effective filter.
Plants for Cover and Security
Why should you plant? Aside from the aesthetic, there is another reason: to provide cover. Cover reduce stress among your fish, particularly shy ones.
If your blue eyes feel vulnerable, they’ll start hiding and not shows their best colors. To make them secure, throw in some Anubias or Java Fern. Not only do they offer security, but they also consumes nitrates; thus helping your filter.
Feeding Tips for Healthy Rainbowfish
That is a double bonus. The secret to keeping fish healthy in small tank has more to do with water quality than anything else. Because BE Rainbows eat both plant and meat, you cannot rely solely on any one kind of food.
Offer some sinking pellets, some flakes, and the occasional treat of live food. The biggest no-no is overfeeding, which leads to water cloudiness. Small frequent meal (multiple per day) will keep them active while not fouling the water.
Choosing Compatible Tank Mates
Selecting tank mates is important. While blue eyed rainbow fish are very peaceful, they will become nervous when in presence of loud fish. Stay away from big barbs and aggressive cichlids that may bullies the rainbowfish.
Other bottom dwellers such as Corydoras catfish makes a good choice. Selecting compatible tank mates based off their energy level also make for a peaceful community. These are the finishing touches: decor and lighting.
Lighting and Decor for Color Pop
Moderate lighting is best for displaying blue eyes. Fish hide and algae grows too much with intense light. Dimmable LEDs provides a natural day cycle.
Dark substrates makes bright colors pop. Their special pattern really stand out when lit correctly. Living with Blue Eye Rainbowfish in a small tank means understanding their nature.
Maintaining a healthy environment is most important, so keep the water clean and avoid roughhousing company. Don’t expect them to dart around much; rather, you would of find a peaceful fish that makes itself known. This result in a calm aquarium display at home, showing that tank size and quality are relative.
