Ivantsoff's Blue Eye (Pseudomugil ivantsoffi)
 
Ivantsoff's Blue Eye (Pseudomugil ivantsoffi) is a beautiful Australian blue-eye species prized for its brilliant electric-blue eyes, peaceful nature, and active schooling behaviour. This small fish is ideal for planted aquariums, where males display vibrant colours and extended finnage while performing impressive courtship displays.
 
Species Information
Common Name: Ivantsoff's Blue Eye
Scientific Name: Pseudomugil ivantsoffi
Origin: Northern Australia
Adult Size: 4–5 cm
Temperament: Peaceful
Care Level: Easy to Moderate
Lifespan: 2–4 Years
Minimum Tank Size: 40 Litres
 
Appearance
Ivantsoff's Blue Eye features a slender, semi-translucent body with subtle blue and silver iridescence. Its most distinctive feature is its striking electric-blue eyes, which stand out beautifully in a planted aquarium. Mature males develop brighter colours and extended fins, particularly when displaying to females or rival males.
 
Aquarium Requirements
This species thrives in well-planted aquariums with plenty of open swimming space. Floating plants help provide security while also enhancing natural colours and behaviour.
 
Recommended Setup:
Planted aquarium with fine-leaved plants
Open swimming areas
Dark substrate to enhance colours
Gentle water movement
Secure lid to prevent jumping
Water Parameters
 
Temperature: 24–30°C
pH: 6.5–7.8
Hardness: 2–12 dGH
Ammonia/Nitrite: 0 ppm
Nitrate: Below 20 ppm
Diet
Ivantsoff's Blue Eyes are micropredators and benefit from a varied diet of quality prepared, frozen, and live foods.
 
Recommended Foods:
Quality micro pellets
Crushed flake food
Baby brine shrimp
Daphnia
Moina
Microworms
Frozen cyclops
Regular feeding of live and frozen foods will enhance colouration, health, and breeding activity.
Behaviour & Compatibility
A peaceful schooling fish best kept in groups of at least six individuals, with larger groups providing the best display and reducing stress. Males regularly display to one another without causing injury, creating constant activity within the aquarium.
 
Suitable Tank Mates:
Other Blue Eye species
Small Rainbowfish
Corydoras catfish
Otocinclus
Small Rasboras
Peaceful Tetras
Freshwater shrimp
Avoid housing with large, aggressive, or highly competitive fish.
Breeding
Ivantsoff's Blue Eye is a prolific egg-scattering species that can be bred successfully in both species and community aquariums.
 
Breeding Tips:
Keep multiple females per male
Provide spawning mops or fine-leaved plants
Feed live foods regularly
Remove eggs to maximise fry survival
Eggs typically hatch within 10–14 days
Newly hatched fry should be fed infusoria, vinegar eels, or specialised fry foods before progressing to baby brine shrimp.
 
Care Sheet
✔ Peaceful schooling species
✔ Brilliant electric-blue eyes
✔ Best kept in groups of 6 or more
✔ Thrives in planted aquariums
✔ Excellent nano and community fish
✔ Suitable for both experienced and dedicated beginner aquarists
 
Ivantsoff's Blue Eye is a stunning Australian native species that combines vibrant colour, fascinating behaviour, and ease of care, making it a standout addition to any peaceful freshwater aquarium.