Popondetta Blue Eye Rainbowfish

Pseudomugil connieae

Popondetta Blue Eye Rainbowfish is a peaceful middle swimmer.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerBeginner – Intermediate

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Need help with Popondetta Blue Eye Rainbowfish?

Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm)
Aquarium size: 15 US gal (55 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 3 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.

Lifespan: up to 3 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 15 US gal (55 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–27 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Popondetta Blue Eye Rainbowfish is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

Keep very clean water with regular partial changes; this species dislikes old, acidic water. Fine animal foods are appropriate. Reported breeding/culture conditions are not a universally preferred care interval.

How to feed aquarium fish — General freshwater community guidance

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 15 US gal (55 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Papua New Guinea.

Natural habitat: Clear freshwater streams with moderate to fairly fast flow around Popondetta in eastern Papua New Guinea.

Important notes

Popondetta is also associated with Pseudomugil furcatus; verify the fish is P. connieae before using species-specific husbandry values.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Aru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia picta Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 4.3" (≤ 11 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia nigrans Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.9" (≤ 10 cm) 73–82°F (23–28°C) Banded Rainbowfish Melanotaenia trifasciata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner ≤ 5.9" (≤ 15 cm) 80–85°F (26.7–29.4°C) Ajamaru Rainbowfish Melanotaenia ajamaruensis Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.8" (≤ 9.7 cm) 81–86°F (27–30°C) Black Phantom Tetra Megalamphodus megalopterus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Black-Bellied Limia Limia melanogaster Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C)

FAQ

How large does Popondetta Blue Eye Rainbowfish get?

Popondetta Blue Eye Rainbowfish reaches ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm).

What aquarium size does Popondetta Blue Eye Rainbowfish need?

Use an aquarium of at least 15 US gal (55 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Popondetta Blue Eye Rainbowfish peaceful?

Yes. Popondetta Blue Eye Rainbowfish is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Popondetta Blue Eye Rainbowfish?

Keep it between 23 to 27 °C.