Can Forktail Blue-eye and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye Live Together?
Yes, Forktail Blue-eye and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye are ideal tank mates. Both species share compatible water parameters and peaceful temperaments, making them well-suited for a community aquarium. A minimum tank size of 55 litres is recommended.
At a Glance
Can your tank handle Forktail Blue-eye and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye?
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.
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Behaviour & Temperament
Both Forktail Blue-eye and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye are peaceful species with an aggression score of 2/10. Their matching temperaments mean neither fish is likely to dominate the other in a shared aquarium.
Forktail Blue-eye and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye 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: Forktail Blue-eye is a known jumper, so a tight-fitting lid is essential.
Water Parameters
The safe temperature window for both species falls between 24°C and 28°C. Aim for the midpoint of this range (around 26.0°C) for optimal comfort.
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 5–15 dGH. Regular testing will ensure conditions stay within this range.
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Tank Setup
To house Forktail Blue-eye and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye together, plan for an aquarium of at least 55 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, Leaf Litter/Blackwater. Meeting these requirements will help both species thrive.
Both species do well with moderate (standard) water movement, so a standard filtration setup rated for the tank volume should suffice.
Suitable Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes large enough for both Forktail Blue-eye and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can Forktail Blue-eye and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye live together?
Yes. Forktail Blue-eye and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye are considered ideal tank mates. Their water parameters, temperaments, and behaviour profiles are well matched for a community aquarium.
What size tank do Forktail Blue-eye and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye need?
A minimum of 55 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 Forktail Blue-eye and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye together?
Keep the aquarium between 24°C and 28°C. A target of around 26.0°C sits comfortably within both species' preferred ranges.
Are Forktail Blue-eye or Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye aggressive?
Forktail Blue-eye is peaceful (2/10) and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye is peaceful (2/10). Their similar temperaments generally lead to a peaceful coexistence.
What pH do Forktail Blue-eye and Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye 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.
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