Honey blue eye

The honey blue-eye is a small, delicate rainbowfish endemic to the Wallum heathland of southeastern Queensland, Australia, where it inhabits slow-moving, tannin-stained coastal creeks and dune lakes with soft, acidic water. Reaching just 3–4 cm, males are exquisitely coloured: a warm honey-bronze body with brilliant blue eyes, a first dorsal fin that is predominantly black with a white anterior border, and anal and second dorsal fins edged in a thin black submarginal band with a white margin. The species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss from land clearing, urban development, and competition from introduced mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki), making well-managed captive populations important.

Honey blue-eyes do best in a well-planted, blackwater-style aquarium with dim lighting, driftwood, leaf litter, and gentle filtration. The tannins released by decaying leaves — from Indian almond or oak — help create the acidic conditions they prefer. A 40-litre tank is the minimum for a small group, though 60 litres or more is better for a proper school of 6–10 fish. Water temperatures should range from 20–28°C, with a pH of 6.0–7.5 and low hardness of 1–8 dH. They are sensitive to poor water quality and require stable, mature conditions. A tight-fitting lid is essential as these are accomplished jumpers, and strong water currents must be avoided — a simple air-driven sponge filter is ideal.

These are exceptionally peaceful, shy schooling fish that must be kept in groups of at least six, and preferably eight to ten, to see their best colours and natural behaviour. Males display with erect fins and intensified colours, engaging in mild territorial posturing without real aggression. They are omnivorous but require small foods: high-quality micro-pellets, crushed flake, and live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, and micro-worms. Compatible tankmates include other small, peaceful nano fish like dwarf rasboras, small tetras, and shrimp. Avoid all aggressive or boisterous species. Breeding is relatively straightforward: spawning occurs over several days on Java moss or spawning mops, and the eggs hatch in 5–14 days depending on temperature. With good care, they live about two to three years.