The Paskai Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil paskai), also known as the Paska's Blue Eye, is a popular freshwater "nano" fish native to the lowland rainforests of Papua New Guinea. They are highly prized for their vibrant orange bodies, iridescent blue backs, and striking blue eyes.
Key Characteristics
Appearance: Males are notably more colourful than females, featuring neon red to orange bodies with extended fins used for flaring and courtship displays. They typically grow to about 3–4 cm (1.2–1.5 inches).
Behaviour: These are active, peaceful, and shoaling fish. To reduce stress and see their natural behaviour, they should be kept in groups of at least 8 to 10 individuals.
Comparison: They are often confused with the Red Neon Blue Eye (Pseudomugil luminatus), which was only scientifically separated as its own species in 2016. P. luminatus generally has a deeper red-orange hue compared to the more yellow-toned P. paskai.
Aquarium Care Requirements
They thrive in densely planted setups that mimic their natural shaded stream habitats.
Parameter Recommended Range
Temperature 18–28°C (64–82°F)
pH Level 6.0 – 7.5
Tank Size Minimum 40L (approx. 10 gallons)
Diet Micro-pellets, crushed flakes, and live/frozen foods like baby brine shrimp or daphnia.
Breeding
Paskai Rainbowfish are egg-scatterers. In a home aquarium, they will readily spawn on fine-leaved plants like Java moss or artificial spawning mops. Males will frequently "flare" their fins at females to entice them into the spawning site. Because they may eat their own eggs, breeders often move the eggs or mops to a separate rearing tank.
SKU: RBM
