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Pseudomugil luminatus
A tiny blue-eye in which males glow reddish-orange with a neon blue stripe along the flank. It is known only from swamps near Timika in Papua, Indonesia. Males carry filamentous extensions on the second dorsal spine and first pelvic ray.
Pseudomugil luminatus is a tiny blue-eye recorded only from swamps near Timika in Papua, Indonesia. FishBase records a maximum of 1.9cm SL, three to five dorsal spines with five to seven soft rays, eight to ten anal rays and 25-27 lateral scales, and notes that in adult males the second dorsal spine and first pelvic ray are drawn out into filaments while live males are yellowish to reddish with a neon blue stripe along the flank. Until Allen, Unmack and Hadiaty described it in Fishes of Sahul in 2016 it was traded as the related Pseudomugil paskai. Its extremely restricted range has led the IUCN to list it as Endangered; it is not covered by CITES.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Red Neon Blue-eye lives 4-6 years.
The Red Neon Blue-eye grows to Up to 1.9cm SL.
Origin
Indonesia (swamps in the vicinity of Timika, Papua)
Lifespan
4-6 years
Size
Up to 1.9cm SL
Temperature
22〜28℃
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Pseudomugil luminatus Allen, Unmack & Hadiaty, 2016
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Fine dried foods and live or frozen brine shrimp and daphnia
At under 2cm SL a group can be kept in a small tank. Plant densely to break up sightlines while leaving open water for male display.
A tropical fish of lowland swamps, it needs a heated tank, and temperature and water chemistry should be changed only gradually through small water changes.
Under 2cm and timid, it belongs in a species tank or with equally small, very peaceful fish. It is mouth-sized prey for anything medium or larger, which must be excluded.
Its mouth is extremely small, so use the finest dried foods. Newly hatched brine shrimp and daphnia, live or frozen, improve colour. Feed small amounts several times a day.
Breeding accounts specific to this species are scarce. Blue-eyes of the genus are egg scatterers without parental care that attach eggs to plants or spawning mops.
Its range is extremely restricted and the IUCN lists it as Endangered. Because it was long traded as Pseudomugil paskai, labels and the actual species do not always agree. It is not covered by CITES.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Red Neon Blue-eye is 4-6 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Red Neon Blue-eye typically reaches Up to 1.9cm SL as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Red Neon Blue-eye feeds on: Fine dried foods and live or frozen brine shrimp and daphnia. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Red Neon Blue-eye varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 28, 2026