A tiny, critically rare micro-predator native to a very restricted area in the Upper Fly River system of Papua New Guinea. Characterized by a transparent 'glass' body with striking yellow and black fin margins. They are peaceful shoaling fish that require highly stable water conditions and a planted aquarium. Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List, they are a true rarity in the aquarium trade.
Kiunga Blue Eye At a Glance
Kiunga Blue Eye Tank Requirements
Will Kiunga Blue Eye fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Kiunga Blue Eye needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Kiunga Blue Eye against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Kiunga Blue Eye Water Parameters
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Kiunga Blue Eye Temperament & Compatibility
Kiunga Blue Eye Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
Typically sold unsexed as juveniles. Requires a minimum group of 8 to establish natural shoaling behaviors and feel secure. Excellent for nano community setups.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Shoal, Juvenile
Male
Males exhibit striking yellow and black margins on their transparent fins and perform elaborate but harmless sparring displays.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Male Kiunga
Female
Females possess shorter, clearer fins and lack the intense yellow and black margins of the males. Essential for dispersing male attention in a shoal.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Female Kiunga
Kiunga Blue Eye Care Guide Summary
The Kiunga Blue Eye, scientifically known as Kiunga ballochi, belongs to the Rainbowfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 3 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as peaceful, this species primarily occupies the surface and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a low level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Kiunga Blue Eye requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 55 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 26°C, with a pH range of 7–8 and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
The Kiunga Blue Eye is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Standard / Unsexed, Male, and Female. Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Kiunga Blue Eye Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Kiunga Blue Eye, a low water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the surface and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise adequate surface area with floating cover to make them feel secure near the waterline and open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement. Useful additions include dense planting to provide cover, break sightlines, and reduce stress and floating plants to diffuse overhead light and create shaded areas. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Kiunga Blue Eye Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Kiunga Blue Eye is a schooling species that feels most secure in a sizeable group, where natural shoaling behaviour reduces stress and brings out their best colours. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Kiunga Blue Eye Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Kiunga Blue Eye.
15 Gallon Standard
20 Gallon High
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
Show 20 more tank sizes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kiunga Blue Eye
How big does Kiunga Blue Eye get?
Kiunga Blue Eye (Kiunga ballochi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 3 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Kiunga Blue Eye need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 55 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Kiunga Blue Eye. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Kiunga Blue Eye need?
Kiunga Blue Eye thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–26°C, a pH between 7 and 8, and a general hardness of 5–15 dGH. A low water flow is preferred.
Is Kiunga Blue Eye peaceful or aggressive?
Kiunga Blue Eye is classified as peaceful with an aggression score of 1 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
How many Kiunga Blue Eye should be kept together?
Kiunga Blue Eye is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 8. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Kiunga Blue Eye have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Kiunga Blue Eye benefits from plants - densely covered and plants - floating in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Kiunga Blue Eye need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Kiunga Blue Eye is a known jumper, and a tight-fitting lid or cover is essential to prevent escape. Even a small gap can be enough for a determined fish to leap out.
Top Tank Mates for Kiunga Blue Eye
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Kiunga Blue Eye based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Golden Bristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus sp. L144
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Anentome helena
Ideal Tank MatesBristlenose Pleco
Ancistrus cf. cirrhosus
Ideal Tank MatesHorned Nerite Snail
Clithon corona
Ideal Tank MatesRamshorn Snail
Planorbidae fam.
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Kiunga Blue Eye
These plants pair well with Kiunga Blue Eye based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Amazon Frogbit
Limnobium laevigatum
Asian Watergrass
Hygroryza aristata
Asian Watermoss
Salvinia cucullata
Carolina Mosquito Fern
Azolla caroliniana
Common Duckweed
Lemna minor
Crystalwort
Riccia fluitans
Fish Similar to Kiunga Blue Eye
Honey Blue Eye
Pseudomugil mellis
A rare, stunning nano shoaling fish endemic to the acidic, tannin-stained 'wallum' heathlands of Queensland, Australia. Known for their honey-golden bodies and striking blue eyes, they are highly active but peaceful. They require mature, slightly acidic, soft water aquariums with dense planting. Listed as Endangered in the wild.
Delicate Blue-Eye
Pseudomugil tenellus
The Delicate Blue-Eye is a small, highly active shoaling fish native to the swamps and coastal floodplains of Northern Australia and New Guinea. They are euryhaline (tolerating both fresh and brackish water) and thrive in warm, densely planted aquariums. They are peaceful but require a group to feel secure and display their best behaviors.
Blue Back Blue Eye
Pseudomugil cyanodorsalis
A tiny, highly active euryhaline species native to the mangrove swamps and tidal estuaries of Northern Australia. While biologically capable of surviving in pure freshwater or full marine conditions, they require a brackish aquarium (SG 1.005-1.015) to thrive, breed, and resist disease long-term. They are peaceful shoaling fish but spectacular jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is absolutely mandatory.
Popondetta Blue-eye
Pseudomugil connieae
The Popondetta Blue-eye is a stunning, active nano fish native to the clear, fast-flowing streams of Papua New Guinea. Recognized by their bright blue eyes and striking finnage, they are an excellent choice for peaceful community aquariums. As a schooling species, they establish a pecking order, with males frequently flaring their fins in beautiful displays to attract females or establish dominance. They require well-oxygenated, moderately hard, alkaline water to thrive.
Pacific Blue Eye
Pseudomugil signifer
An energetic and highly adaptable blue-eye species native to Eastern Australia. They inhabit a massive range of environments from rainforest streams to full-marine mangrove estuaries. Known for their striking blue eyes and the male's butterfly-like fin displays. They must be kept in schools, where males will constantly spar and flash their colors.
Forktail Blue-eye
Pseudomugil furcatus
A highly active, nano shoaling fish native to Papua New Guinea. Recognized by their striking blue eyes and energetic swimming patterns. They are peaceful but require open horizontal swimming space and the company of their own kind to thrive. Due to their short lifespan (2-3 years), they mature quickly and display near-constant courtship behavior.