Can Delicate Blue-Eye and Dusky Millions Fish Live Together?

Reviewed by Guidarium Editorial DeskUpdated May 4, 2026
Not Recommended

Delicate Blue-Eye and Dusky Millions Fish are not recommended as tank mates due to no temperature overlap. Housing these species together is likely to result in stress, health problems, or direct harm to one or both fish.


At a Glance

Delicate Blue-Eye

Pseudomugil tenellus

Dusky Millions Fish

Phalloceros caudimaculatus

🐠Family Group
Delicate Blue-Eye
Rainbowfish
Dusky Millions Fish
Livebearers
Temperament
Delicate Blue-Eye
Peaceful (1/10)
Dusky Millions Fish
Peaceful (2/10)
Temperature
✗ No overlap
Delicate Blue-Eye
25–32°C
Dusky Millions Fish
16–24°C
pH Range
✓ Compatible
Delicate Blue-Eye
5–7.5
Dusky Millions Fish
7–8
Hardness (dGH)
✓ Compatible
Delicate Blue-Eye
5–15
Dusky Millions Fish
8–20
Water Type
✓ Compatible
Delicate Blue-Eye
Brackish Tolerant
Dusky Millions Fish
Brackish Tolerant
Flow Preference
✓ Compatible
Delicate Blue-Eye
Moderate
Dusky Millions Fish
Low
Min Tank Volume
Combined: 60 L
Delicate Blue-Eye
60 L
Dusky Millions Fish
40 L
Swimming Level
Shared: 2 zones
Delicate Blue-Eye
TopMiddle
Dusky Millions Fish
TopMiddle
🏷️Behavior Tags
Delicate Blue-Eye
Nano / Bite-sized (Predation Risk)Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerJumper (Lid Required)Fry Predator
Dusky Millions Fish
Hyperactive / Fast SwimmerPlant DestroyerFin Nipper
Stocking calculator

Can your tank handle Delicate Blue-Eye and Dusky Millions Fish?

Compatibility is only part of the answer. Test both fish with your real tank size, current stock, and maintenance needs to see if you have enough space and a safe stocking level before you add them.

Delicate Blue-Eye
Dusky Millions Fish
Test both in my tank

Behaviour & Temperament

Delicate Blue-Eye is a peaceful species (1/10), while Dusky Millions Fish is peaceful (2/10). This modest difference means Dusky Millions Fish may occasionally assert dominance over Delicate Blue-Eye.

Delicate Blue-Eye and Dusky Millions Fish both frequent the Top (Surface) and Middle (Open Water) region of the setup. This overlap can increase competition for space, so providing ample room and cover is important to keep both species comfortable.

Worth noting: Delicate Blue-Eye is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.

Water Parameters

There is no temperature overlap between Delicate Blue-Eye (25–32°C) and Dusky Millions Fish (16–24°C). This fundamental mismatch makes long-term cohabitation impractical.

Both fish can tolerate a pH between 7 and 7.5. Maintaining a stable value within this band is more important than hitting an exact number.

For general hardness, the shared comfort zone is 8–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.

Tank Setup

To house Delicate Blue-Eye and Dusky Millions Fish together, plan for an aquarium of at least 60 litres with a minimum length of 60 cm. This recommendation combines the stricter species minimums with a community-load allowance so the pairing has realistic long-term space and filtration headroom.

Providing a mix of open swimming space and sheltered areas with rocks, driftwood, or plants will keep both species comfortable and allow natural behaviour.

Specific environmental needs for this combination include: Plants - Densely covered, Plants - Floating, Established Algae (Otocinclus). Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.

Note a potential conflict in setup requirements: Dusky Millions Fish is a plant destroyer, which conflicts with Delicate Blue-Eye's requirement for live plants. Compromise where possible or prioritise the more critical need.

Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.

Why This Pairing Usually Fails in Practice

Delicate Blue-Eye and Dusky Millions Fish are the kind of pair that can look acceptable in a shop but become a maintenance problem at home. The main risk is not a single number in the chart; it is the way incompatible behavior, water needs, or pressure on space compounds over time once both fish are established in the same tank.

Suitable Tank Sizes

Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Delicate Blue-Eye and Dusky Millions Fish.

Show 19 more tank sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Delicate Blue-Eye and Dusky Millions Fish live together?

No. This combination is not recommended. Key incompatibilities — such as non-overlapping temperature ranges — make cohabitation unsafe.

What size tank do Delicate Blue-Eye and Dusky Millions Fish need?

A minimum of 60 litres (tank length at least 60 cm) is recommended. This provides enough space for both species to establish their own areas and reduces the likelihood of territorial disputes.

What water temperature is best for Delicate Blue-Eye and Dusky Millions Fish together?

Unfortunately, there is no temperature range that satisfies both species. Delicate Blue-Eye requires 25–32°C, while Dusky Millions Fish needs 16–24°C.

Are Delicate Blue-Eye or Dusky Millions Fish aggressive?

Delicate Blue-Eye is peaceful (1/10) and Dusky Millions Fish is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.

What pH do Delicate Blue-Eye and Dusky Millions Fish need?

Both species overlap in the 7–7.5 pH range. Consistency is key — avoid sudden swings, and test regularly to stay within this window.

Will Dusky Millions Fish nip Delicate Blue-Eye's fins?

Dusky Millions Fish is a known fin nipper. If Delicate Blue-Eye has long or flowing fins, there is a real risk of fin damage. Keeping Dusky Millions Fish in a larger group can help redirect nipping behaviour toward conspecifics.

Editorial Review

Guidarium Editorial Desk

Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.

Last reviewed
May 4, 2026
Last updated
May 4, 2026
Issues or corrections?
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