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.
Popondetta Blue-eye At a Glance
Popondetta Blue-eye Tank Requirements
Will Popondetta Blue-eye fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Popondetta Blue-eye needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Popondetta Blue-eye against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Popondetta Blue-eye Water Parameters
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Popondetta Blue-eye Temperament & Compatibility
Popondetta Blue-eye Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Males are slightly larger and incredibly vibrant. They feature dramatically elongated dorsal and anal fins bordered in white or yellow with a black horizontal band. They constantly spar and display their fins to rival males, though actual damage is rare.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Male Popondetta, Male Blue-eye
Female
Females are smaller, plumper, and possess much shorter, translucent fins. They have a more subdued silver-yellow body coloration. It is highly recommended to keep a ratio of 2 or 3 females per male to disperse the males' continuous courting attention.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female Popondetta
Popondetta Blue-eye Care Guide Summary
The Popondetta Blue-eye, scientifically known as Pseudomugil connieae, belongs to the Rainbowfish family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 5 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 Popondetta 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 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.2–8 and a general hardness of 8–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Popondetta Blue-eye is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: 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.
Popondetta Blue-eye Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Popondetta Blue-eye, a moderate 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. Keepers should note that a tight-fitting lid is essential, as this species is a known jumper.
Popondetta Blue-eye Compatibility Notes
Classified as peaceful, the Popondetta 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. When choosing tankmates, their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the surface and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Popondetta Blue-eye Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Popondetta 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 Popondetta Blue-eye
How big does Popondetta Blue-eye get?
Popondetta Blue-eye (Pseudomugil connieae) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 5 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Popondetta Blue-eye need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 55 litres and a tank length of at least 60 cm are recommended for Popondetta Blue-eye. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Popondetta Blue-eye need?
Popondetta Blue-eye thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.2 and 8, and a general hardness of 8–15 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Popondetta Blue-eye peaceful or aggressive?
Popondetta 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 Popondetta Blue-eye should be kept together?
Popondetta Blue-eye is a schooling species and should be kept in groups of at least 6. Larger groups help distribute aggression and encourage natural schooling behaviour.
Does Popondetta Blue-eye have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Popondetta Blue-eye benefits from plants - densely covered in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Does Popondetta Blue-eye need a lid on the tank?
Yes. Popondetta 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 Popondetta Blue-eye
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Popondetta Blue-eye based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Emerald Green Cory
Corydoras splendens
Ideal Tank MatesAgassiz Cory
Corydoras agassizii
Ideal Tank MatesMalaysian Trumpet Snail (MTS)
Melanoides tuberculata
Ideal Tank MatesGhost Shrimp
Palaemonetes paludosus
Ideal Tank MatesAssassin Snail
Anentome helena
Ideal Tank MatesMalaya Shrimp
Caridina sp. "Malaya"
Ideal Tank MatesPlants That Suit Popondetta Blue-eye
These plants pair well with Popondetta Blue-eye based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Amazon Sword
Echinodorus amazonicus
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Baby Tears
Lindernia rotundifolia
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Popondetta Blue-eye
Gertrude's Spotted Blue-eye
Pseudomugil gertrudae
A stunning, highly active nano fish native to Australia and New Guinea. Known for their striking blue eyes and the males' spectacular, heavily spotted fins which they flare during dominance displays. They are peaceful but require being kept in shoals to thrive and exhibit natural behaviors.
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.
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.
Kiunga Blue Eye
Kiunga ballochi
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.
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.
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.