Neon Blue Eye Rainbow - (No Online Purchases)

The "Neon Blue Eye Rainbow" is a common name for a species of tiny, captivating fish belonging to the genus Pseudomugil. The most common species sold under this name is the Red Neon Blue-Eye Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil luminatus). Another similar species you might encounter is the Spotted Blue-Eye Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil gertrudae).

These are nano fish, highly sought after for planted and community aquariums due to their vibrant colours, schooling behaviour, and peaceful nature.

Here's a comprehensive care guide for the Red Neon Blue-Eye Rainbowfish, which also applies to most Pseudomugil species.

Appearance:

• Male: Males are far more colourful than females. They have a brilliant red to reddish-orange body, especially when displaying. Their most striking features are the vibrant, glowing blue rings around their eyes. They also have elongated, somewhat flamboyant fins, particularly the dorsal and anal fins, which are often rimmed with black and can have beautiful iridescent blue or white highlights.

• Female: Females are more muted in colour, typically a translucent or pale yellowish-tan, and lack the extended, colourful fins of the males.

• Size: They are a very small species.

Adult Size:

• Red Neon Blue-Eye Rainbowfish typically reach an adult size of only 1 to 1.5 inches (2.5 to 3.8 cm).

Natural Habitat and Distribution:

• Indigenous to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and some areas of Northern Australia.

• Inhabit slow-flowing, often murky forest streams, swamps, and densely planted areas with leaf litter. They thrive in environments with subdued lighting.

Aquarium Care (Moderate Level):

• Minimum Tank Size: While small, they are active and best kept in groups. A minimum of 15-20 gallons (57-75 litres) is recommended for a small school (6-10 fish) to give them adequate swimming room and to prevent stress. They are not well-suited for very small nano tanks (under 10 gallons) unless they are heavily planted.

• Water Parameters: They are adaptable but require clean, stable water.

  • Temperature: 65-82°F (18-28°C) is a wide range, but they are often happiest in the mid-70s F.

  • pH: 6.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).

  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water is preferred.

  • They are sensitive to poor water quality, so a fully cycled and mature aquarium is essential.

• Filtration: A good filter that provides gentle to moderate flow is best. They don't do well in strong, turbulent currents. A sponge filter or a hang-on-back filter with a baffle is a good choice.

• Water Flow: Gentle to moderate. They come from slow-flowing waters and should not be housed in tanks with a very strong current.

• Substrate: A dark substrate is recommended as it helps to bring out their vibrant coloration and makes them feel more secure.

• Diet:

  • Carnivorous/Omnivorous: In the wild, they are micro-predators, feeding on zooplankton and tiny insects.

  • In the aquarium, a varied diet is crucial for their health and colour:

    • High-quality, small, floating dry foods: Micro pellets and finely crushed flakes are a good staple.

    • Small live/frozen foods: This is the key to their best health and colour. Offer foods like baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and grindal worms.

  • They have small mouths, so ensure the food particles are appropriately sized.

  • Feed small amounts 2-3 times daily, as they are active and have a high metabolism.

• Temperament:

  • Peaceful & Timid: They are peaceful with other similarly sized, non-aggressive fish. However, they can be outcompeted for food by faster, more boisterous species like larger tetras.

  • Schooling: They are a schooling/shoaling species and should be kept in groups of 6 or more. Keeping a group with a mix of males and females (e.g., more females than males) will encourage the males to display their best colours without excessively harassing the females.

• Reef/Invertebrate Compatibility: Excellent reef and invertebrate compatibility. They will not bother corals, clams, or most invertebrates. They are generally considered safe to keep with adult dwarf shrimp (e.g., cherry shrimp) as they are not aggressive, though they may eat any baby shrimp they can fit in their mouth.

• Tank Setup:

  • Heavily Planted: A densely planted aquarium is ideal. This mimics their natural habitat and provides them with security.

  • Floating Plants: Floating plants are highly recommended as they diffuse the light and provide a sense of cover, which helps the fish feel secure and display their best colours.

  • Wood and Décor: Add driftwood, branches, and rocks to create a more natural environment with plenty of hiding spots.

  • Lid: A tight-fitting lid is essential as they are known to jump, especially when startled.