What size tank do forktail blue-eyes need?
At least 14 gallons (54 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 15 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable. We give the size for an adult fish in a proper group, because the small fish in the shop will grow. Scientific name: Pseudomugil furcatus.
How many forktail blue-eyes in each tank size?
This is how many each standard tank carries comfortably if forktail blue-eyes are the only fish in it. Share the tank with other species and the number goes down.
| Tank | How many forktail blue-eyes |
|---|---|
| 5 gallon | Too small |
| 10 gallon | Too small |
| 20 gallon long | up to 9 |
| 29 gallon | up to 13 |
| 40 gallon breeder | up to 19 |
| 55 gallon | up to 26 |
| 75 gallon | up to 35 |
| 125 gallon | up to 59 |
Check forktail blue-eyes against your own tank and other fish
Good to know
- Keep at least 6. Alone or in twos and threes, forktail blue-eyes hide, stop eating well, or pick on each other.
Tank mates for forktail blue-eyes
These animals like the same water, are a safe size, and have a temper that fits. It is a match on paper: always watch new tankmates for the first week.
- Lambchop rasbora
- X-ray tetra
- Glowlight tetra
- Penguin tetra
- Head-and-tail-light tetra
- Black neon tetra
- Lemon tetra
- Sterba's corydoras
Poor matches
- Fancy goldfish: Goldfish do best with other fancy goldfish.
- Oscar: Oscar is aggressive and will bully or kill peaceful fish such as forktail blue-eye.
Questions and answers
What size tank do forktail blue-eyes need?
At least 14 gallons (54 liters) for a group of 6. The smallest standard tank that works is the 15 gallon. A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable.
How many forktail blue-eyes should be kept together?
At least 6. Forktail blue-eyes are social animals and only behave naturally in a group. A group of 8 or more is better if the tank has room.
Can forktail blue-eyes live in a 10 gallon tank?
No. Forktail blue-eye needs at least 14 gallons (54 liters).
What temperature do forktail blue-eyes need?
75–82 °F (24–28 °C), with a pH of 7–8. In most homes that means a heater.
Can forktail blue-eyes live with a betta?
Usually, yes, in a tank of 14 gallons (54 liters) or more. They like the same water: 75–82 °F (24–28 °C). Every betta has its own temper, so watch closely for the first week and have a spare tank ready.
More fish
Adult size, tank size and water ranges follow the mainstream care consensus (Seriously Fish species profiles and FishBase maximum lengths). Where sources differ we use the more cautious figure. Stocking numbers come from our stocking calculator.