Species description

Care, breeding and tankmates

Fish profile

Temperament

Active

The Blue-Eyed Priapella is an active, somewhat skittish, but ultimately highly peaceful schooling fish. They gain immense confidence and display their best behaviors when kept in appropriately large conspecific groups. Their peaceful demeanor makes them a perfect, lively addition to the upper levels of a planted community tank.

Diet

Omnivore

In the wild, they are predominantly insectivorous, constantly feeding on small insects and larvae near the water surface. In the aquarium, they eagerly accept high-quality crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and freeze-dried daphnia. Providing regular feedings of live or frozen bloodworms and brine shrimp is crucial for stimulating breeding and enhancing coloration.

Sex ratio

School

To minimize male aggression and severe harassment of females, it is strongly recommended to keep a ratio of one male to two or three females. Males can be easily identified by their modified anal fin (gonopodium) and slightly smaller, slimmer bodies. Maintaining them in a large school of 8 or more individuals significantly diffuses any lingering aggression.

Feeding frequency

Twice daily

Due to their small size and active nature, they should be fed small amounts two to three times daily. Their upward-facing mouths are highly adapted for surface feeding, so foods that float or sink slowly are ideal. Frequent, small meals closely mimic their natural, continuous foraging behavior in the wild.

Bioload

Low

The Blue-Eyed Priapella is a small, active livebearer that contributes a relatively minor bioload to the freshwater aquarium. A standard, high-quality hang-on-back or sponge filter is entirely sufficient to process their waste efficiently. Weekly partial water changes of around 20-30% are highly recommended to keep nitrates low and preserve their striking iridescent colors.

Flow

Strong

Originating from fast-flowing streams and rivers in Central America, they strongly appreciate moderate to relatively strong water currents. A powerhead or strong filter return can be utilized to create an engaging flow pattern across the upper tank levels. While they enjoy current, providing heavily planted resting areas with lower flow is equally important.

Jump risk

Yes

Being an active, surface-dwelling species from flowing waters, they are notoriously prone to jumping if startled or excited. A tight-fitting lid covering the entire aquarium is an absolute necessity to prevent fatal accidents. Floating plants can also heavily reduce jumping behavior by making them feel more secure near the surface.

Reproduction

Livebearer

Like most livebearers, breeding is highly prolific and straightforward when provided with clean water and good nutrition. Females give birth to relatively small broods of large, fully formed, independent fry every 4 to 6 weeks. To ensure the survival of the fry, the aquarium must be heavily planted with fine-leaved species like Java Moss to prevent adult predation.

Compatibility & tankmates

Peaceful

This is an exceptionally peaceful, schooling species that thrives in a gentle community aquarium setting. They do beautifully alongside small tetras, Corydoras catfish, peaceful rasboras, and other non-aggressive livebearers. It is strictly advised to avoid housing them with large, boisterous, or fin-nipping species that could outcompete or harass them.

Tank level

Top

They are highly dedicated top-dwellers, spending the vast majority of their time actively swimming just below the water surface. They require an aquarium with a long footprint to accommodate their need for extensive lateral swimming space. The middle and lower sections of the tank are rarely utilized unless they are actively seeking shelter in dense plants.