Paskas blue-eye - Pseudomugil luminatus (paskai)

The Paskai blue -eye is another beautiful representative among the blue-eyes and is described as Pseudomugil luminatus. It originates from Australia, but also Timika or South Papua New Guinea, altogether two location variants are known so far. Now and then it is also called Pseudomugil Red Paskai or Red Neon. Endemically this small whirlwind is found mainly in acidic rainforest streams that have plenty of weed growth, because this is where they mainly spawn. For a black water aquarium they are therefore excellently suitable.

Also Pseudomugil luminatus reminds with its yellowish almost "wing-like" pectoral fins of a butterfly in the aquarium, because it uses these quasi over the head. This small comrade grows just 3-4 centimeters and has a light gray to faint yellowish ground color. Its rather large iridescent blue eyes, which also gave it its name, are striking. The dorsal fin is bipartite, with the foremost having an elongated pointed first fin ray. The ventral fin is set far back, and the anal fin is sail-shaped. Black spots decorate the fins.

Males and females differ morphologically already in the coloration, because the males color a stronger red especially during the mating season. They also remain somewhat slimmer and smaller and have the longer developed first dorsal fin ray, which the females lack. The females appear plumper and rounder.

The Paskai Blueeye can be bred in the aquarium. These adhesive spawners can be brought into the right mood with a gradual increase in temperature and a heavy feeding of black mosquito larvae. While doing this, the water should be an acidic pH around 6.5. The males are persistent romantics, constantly poking the females in the flanks to animate her- then she disappears into the spawning substrate. Especially the frantic opening and closing of his fins is a unique spectacle. Since they are very good spawn predators and egg eaters, it is recommended to offer the animals a spawning substrate in the form of loose moss nests made of Java moss or spawning mobs, to which the female sticks her eggs. When laying eggs, both animals stand parallel to each other and release eggs and sperm with trembling movements. The eggs are attracted to the substrate with adhesive filaments. These are about 2 mm in size and quite hard. Preferably the eggs are hatched separately from the parents in a rearing aquarium or also in a bowl. After about 14 days the first young hatch, which are still feeding on their yolk sac and are just tiny. At the beginning they should be fed with infusoria or slipper animals, after another week they are switched to freshly hatched Nauplii fish. The fry grow slowly and should be given very good water hygiene.

Pseudomugil luminatus can be kept already from 54 liters and prefers, as in its habitat, a dense weed in places in the tank. Especially the exhausted females, which are constantly being rebalanced, like to retreat here for resting. Above all some darkened corners, for example with Floating plants are very convenient for them. They are not really schooling fish and rather live in loose groups, but they quickly agree on courtship or feeding together. They are not very demanding on the infrastructure, but bog pine roots and a dark substrate are advantageous, especially their colors are then better accentuated. Their water should be soft to medium hard with a total hardness of 2-20 °dGH, a carbonate hardness between 0-6 and pH values of 6 to 7. Humic substances such as alder cones or sea almond leaves serve their well-being and should not be missing in your aquarium.

The peaceful blue-eyes can be well socialized, for example, luminescent eye fish, but also Kilifish or dwarf dan ios and tetras. Also Dwarf shrimp can be kept together with them and are usually left alone Dwarf armored catfish own likewise, from dwarf crayfish or crayfish should be refrained from, however, since these could injure them under circumstances.

The omnivorous blue eyes show a special preference for Live- frozen food. Especially black mosquito larvae, but also Artemia and Daphnia they like very much. However, they can also be easily switched to granulated food with very small grain size.

Our food recommendation: The professional NatureHolic Nanofeed is a staple food for all small aquarium fish. This mini fish food and rearing food is a fine soft granulate, which thanks to its softness resembles the consistency of tiny crustaceans and insect larvae and protects the delicate mouth of nano fish and fry from micro injuries.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.