Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish - Pseudomugil luminatus : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil luminatus) is a rare and breathtakingly beautiful nano fish that is sure to captivate any aquarium enthusiast. Unfortunately, these peaceful fish are unsuitable for general community aquariums due to their small size, making them easy targets for larger, more aggressive fish. However, when kept in species-only aquariums or with similar-sized and natured fish that share their water requirements, they thrive and exhibit their most natural behaviour.
For the best results, keeping Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish in groups of at least eight individuals is recommended, ideally more. This is because the fish become less nervous in larger groups and display their most natural-looking behaviours, such as male competition for female attention. Therefore, adult Dwarf Shrimp and other invertebrates make the ideal tankmates for these fish.
Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish require a densely planted aquarium with floating plants and driftwood roots or branches to diffuse the light and create a more natural habitat. This will bring out the vibrant reddish-orange colouration on their bodies, the blue stripe down their back, and the blue rings around their eyes. The widely scattered black spots on their fins, the tips of their caudal fin lobes, and the upper edge of their pectoral fins also have prominent white-to-yellow markings, making them a truly unique and stunning addition to any aquarium.
In conclusion, the Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish is a rare gem of a fish that requires special attention and care to thrive. However, with their remarkable colours and peaceful nature, these fish are a must-have for any dedicated aquarium enthusiast looking for a unique and captivating nano fish species to add to their collection.
Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing male from female Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish is a straightforward task, as the former exhibit more vivid and radiant colouration. The males' bodies and fins display bright neon red to reddish-orange hues, accentuated by striking blue tones, particularly during periods of competition. In addition, as the males reach maturity, their second anal and dorsal fins become elongated and fan-shaped, further highlighting their stunning appearance. Nonetheless, although the females are smaller and have shorter fins, they still boast vibrant colouration.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Pseudomugil luminatus |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 2016 |
| Other Names | Red Neon Rainbowfish |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Atheriniformes |
| Family | Melanotaeniidae |
| Genus | Pseudomugil |
| Origins | Indonesia , Papua New Guinea |
| Max Size | 4 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | Middle - Top |
| Difficulty | Beginner - Intermediate |
| Shoaling | Yes |
| Best kept as | Groups 8+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Egg Depositor |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 2 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.5 - 7.5 |
| GH | 12 - 15 |
| TDS | 36 - 215 |
| ℉ | 64 - 79 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 17 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish are an endemic species only found in a very limited geographic range near Timika, the capital of Mimika Regency in Papua, Indonesia, making them a rare and unique addition to any aquarium. These fish thrive in the murky, slow-flowing waters of swamp habitats, which are characterized by dense submerged vegetation.
Breeding
Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish are a fascinating egg-laying species that exhibit no parental care, making it crucial to take special care when breeding them. The fish will consume their own eggs and fry if given an opportunity, so you must take measures to ensure their survival.
Spawning is more likely to occur in warmer water, with females attaching a few eggs daily for several days on aquatic vegetation or decor. An individual male can mate with multiple females during a single day. To breed Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish, there are two methods you can use.
The first method involves isolating a small group containing a single male and two or three females into a breeding tank with an air-powered sponge filter and a spawning medium such as moss or spawning mops. You should move any eggs laid on the medium several times a day and incubate and hatch them separately. The second approach involves maintaining a colony of adults in a larger, fully-decorated set-up that should allow some fry to survive if well-planted. Aquatic mosses and floating plants with trailing roots are recommended as these fish spend the early part of their life close to the water surface.
The incubation period is usually around ten days, depending on the temperature of the water. After hatching, the fry will require microscopic food such as Paramecium for approximately five days before they can accept baby brine shrimp, microworms, and similarly-sized foods. You can also raise them by using high-quality powdered dry products. The growth rate of the fry is relatively fast after this point. However, dirty water can result in high mortality rates, so it's essential to perform regular small water changes and remove any uneaten food from the rearing tank.
In conclusion, breeding Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish is a delicate process that requires close attention and care. However, with proper conditions, these fish will breed successfully, and the resulting fry will thrive and grow quickly with the right diet and water conditions.
Diet & Feeding
Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish primarily feed on zooplankton, phytoplankton, and invertebrates in their natural habitat. To ensure their optimal health and well-being in the aquarium, a diet comprising live and frozen foods like Daphnia, Moina, Brine shrimp, and microworm is recommended. Along with these, supplementing their diet with high-quality, small, floating dried foods such as crushed flakes or fine granules is beneficial. It is important to note that these fish have small mouths, and thus, their diet should consist of appropriately sized food.
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