Ivantsoffs Blue Eye Rainbowfish - Pseudomugil ivantsoffi : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide

Breeding

Breeding Ivantsoff's Blue Eye Rainbowfish involves a fascinating process that showcases their nature as egg-laying species with minimal parental care. These captivating fish are known to consume their own eggs and fry if given the opportunity, yet in a well-decorated aquarium, the survival of some offspring becomes possible. In addition, achieving successful spawning is more likely when maintaining slightly elevated temperatures within the aquarium.

Females of Ivantsoff's Blue Eye Rainbowfish deposit a few eggs daily over several days, skillfully attaching them to aquatic vegetation or purpose-built spawning mops. Remarkably, a single male may engage in breeding with multiple females during a single day, highlighting their reproductive dynamics. Spawning activities predominantly occur during daylight hours, with a surge of intensity observed from late morning to early afternoon. In an aquarium setting, breeding can occur throughout the year when maintaining consistent temperature conditions.

Two distinct methods can be employed to stimulate the spawning process. The first method involves isolating a small group of 6 to 8 individuals or a single male with two or three females in a separate breeding tank equipped with an air-powered sponge filter and a suitable spawning medium such as nylon mops or aquatic moss. Diligent daily monitoring is necessary to identify any laid eggs, which should be promptly transferred to a dedicated rearing tank for incubation and hatching.

Alternatively, the second method entails maintaining a colony of adult Ivantsoff's Blue Eye Rainbowfish in a larger, fully-decorated aquarium that provides ample hiding spaces for fry survival, particularly when well-planted. It is important to note that the fry initially spends most of its time near the water's surface, emphasizing the need to position aquatic mosses high within the aquarium or utilize floating plants with long roots to optimize favourable conditions for their development. While the second method may be less practical, it offers a more straightforward and reliable approach, especially within well-established and planted aquariums that facilitate stable water conditions. Additionally, the microfauna present in the aquarium serves as a valuable food source for the developing fry.

The incubation period for Ivantsoff's Blue Eye Rainbowfish typically ranges from 7 to 15 days, influenced by temperature variations. Once hatched, the fry can readily accept baby brine shrimp and microworm as immediate food sources. Alternatively, high-quality powdered dry products can be introduced to their diet. Providing small, frequent meals at least twice a day is recommended, ensuring that any uneaten food is promptly removed to prevent the accumulation of waste, which can lead to elevated mortality rates. In addition, regular, modest water changes are essential to maintain optimal water quality and promote the healthy development of the fry.

Diet & Feeding

IIvantsoff's Blue Eye Rainbowfish exhibit a diverse feeding repertoire in their natural habitat, consuming zooplankton, phytoplankton, and various invertebrates. In an aquarium setting, their nutritional needs can be met by offering a well-rounded diet consisting of live and frozen food options. Highly recommended choices include Moina, daphnia, Brine shrimp, and microworms, which provide essential nutrients and promote optimal health. Additionally, supplementing their diet with high-quality, small, floating dried foods such as crushed flakes or fine granules ensures a balanced nutritional intake. It is crucial to consider the small size of these fish and provide appropriately sized food particles that their tiny mouths can easily consume.