Pseudomugil paskai

Adults of this fish reach approximately 3.5 cm in length. Their coloration is orange, the back shimmers with blue, and the eyes have a noticeable bluish tint, which gave the species its name. The fins are translucent, adorned with small black speckles. In males, the dorsal and pectoral fins are noticeably longer than in females, which is one of the sexual differences.

The natural habitat of these fish covers the southwestern part of New Guinea island, including the territory of Indonesia. They can be found in numerous streams and small rivers flowing into the Arafura Sea. They prefer areas with abundant aquatic vegetation and flooded coastal areas. The water in these places is usually turbid, brownish, with a high content of organic matter.

These fish are distinguished by their peaceful and calm disposition. Given the small size of the Red Neon Blue-eye, only species with a similar size and temperament are suitable as tankmates. They live perfectly well both in groups and in pairs.

For the comfortable existence of a group of 8–10 individuals, an aquarium of 40 L or more is suitable. The aquarium decor should include many plants, arranged in groups to leave enough open swimming space. Snags, roots, and tree branches that create shelters will also be appropriate. The choice of substrate depends on the needs of the plants. Lighting should be subdued; floating plants can serve as an additional source of shade. When caring for the fish, it is important to maintain a high level of dissolved oxygen and moderate current. Avoid introducing Pseudomugil paskai into a biologically unstable aquarium and sudden fluctuations in water hydrochemistry.

The diet is based on live foods, such as Daphnia and Artemia. However, the fish can also adapt to dry foods of appropriate size. When choosing dry foods, it is recommended to give preference to those that float on the water surface.

Breeding blue-eyes in a home aquarium is not a difficult task. During the mating season, females lay eggs among dense thickets of fine-leaved low-growing plants or mosses, such as Java moss. Spawning continues for several days, during which the dominant male fertilizes several clutches from different females. These fish lack parental instincts, and adults may eat their offspring. To save the fry, the eggs should be timely transferred to a separate tank with similar water conditions. In this separate aquarium, the fry will remain until they reach a sufficient size. It should be equipped with the same equipment as the main aquarium, with the exception of the filtration system; here, it is better to use a simple air-driven sponge filter, which will provide the necessary cleaning and prevent the fry from being sucked in. The incubation period is about 10 days; its duration depends on temperature. In the first days of life, the fry need micro-food, such as infusoria. After a week, Artemia nauplii can be given.

Health problems in these fish arise only in the presence of injuries or keeping in unsuitable conditions, which leads to a weakening of the immune system and the subsequent occurrence of various diseases. At the first signs of illness, it is necessary first to check the water parameters for exceeding permissible values or the presence of toxic substances (such as nitrites, nitrates, ammonia). If deviations are found, all indicators should be normalized, and then treatment should begin.

When choosing healthy specimens, pay attention to their activity: the fish should be mobile, show interest in their surroundings, and not constantly hide in thickets. Inspect the scales for the absence of damage, ulcers, or white spots, and the fins for integrity. Avoid buying fish from aquariums where dead specimens or individuals with signs of emaciation are observed, as this species is sensitive to water quality and transport stress. Keep in mind that in the store, males may be less vibrant due to stress, but their coloration should gradually recover under suitable conditions. Check that the fish do not show signs of rapid breathing, which may indicate water quality problems in the retail aquarium.