Pacific blue-eye Care Guide

The Pacific blue-eye is a popular choice among aquarists due to its social nature, low maintenance requirements, and peaceful temperament. Here is a comprehensive guide on caring for this aquatic entity.

Care Process

Pacific blue-eyes thrive in mildly hard water with a pH range of 7.0 to 8.5. The optimal water temperature for this species is between 20°C and 28°C. Regular water changes are critical to maintaining their health and ensuring a clean environment. They are known for their moderate hardiness and tend to live comfortably within appropriately maintained tanks.

Tank Setup

A minimum school size of six fish is recommended for Pacific blue-eyes, as they are social creatures that do well in group settings. It is suggested to provide around five liters of water per fish to ensure ample space for swimming. The tank should be equipped with various habitats to accommodate surface, mid-level, and bottom-dwelling behaviors.

Incorporate live plants, driftwood, and rocks to offer hiding spots and mimic their natural environment. Ensure the tank includes an open swimming area to promote the fish’s active behavior. Providing sufficient lighting will help bring out their vibrant coloration.

Feeding

Pacific blue-eyes have diverse dietary preferences and should be offered a range of foods to ensure a balanced diet. They readily consume flakes, pellets, and specialized color-enhancing food. Supplement their diet with live or frozen options such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, daphnia, and micro worms to support growth and vitality. Offering occasional vegetable matter, algae wafers, or freeze-dried foods can also contribute to nutritional diversity.

Breeding

Pacific blue-eyes are an excellent species for beginner breeders due to their moderately easy breeding process. A breeding tank of at least 30 liters is ideal, with a higher ratio of females to males to reduce stress. Maintain water temperature between 24°C and 26°C and a pH level from 7.0 to 8.0. Ample plant coverage or spawning mops provide ideal egg-laying sites. After spawning, remove adults to prevent predation on eggs and fry.

Social and Behavioral Characteristics

This species is very peaceful and demonstrates low levels of aggression, making them compatible with various community tank mates. During breeding, they may show slightly increased territorial behavior, but these tendencies are not typically concerning. Implementing appropriate tank structures to offer shelter and mitigate stress will promote harmonious cohabitation.

Additional Information

The Pacific blue-eye is a sustainable choice for aquarists, having an "Least Concern" conservation status. They are quite affordable, making them accessible for enthusiasts of all levels. Regular monitoring of water quality and ensuring an enriching environment will allow these beautiful fish to thrive in captivity.