Red Neon Blue-eye

Red Neon Blue-eye key facts

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

4-6 years

Size

Up to 1.9cm SL

Diet

Fine dried foods and live or frozen brine shrimp and daphnia

Tank

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.

Water Temperature & Quality

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.

Tank Mates

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.

Diet & Feeding

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 & Spawning

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.

Health & Notes

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.

About Red Neon Blue-eye

The Red Neon Blue-eye is a tiny blue-eye fish found only in wetlands of Indonesia's Papua province. Males display a striking red-orange and neon-blue breeding color; here's what intermediate keepers should know.

7 things to know before welcoming a Red Neon Blue-eye

1. 1Thrives in Nano Tanks

   Adults reach only about 1.9 cm in standard length, so this species suits even small nano tanks. Because of its tiny size, choose tankmates carefully and keep the tank well covered, since it can easily be startled by larger fish or slip through gaps.

2. 2Vivid Color in Males Only

   The striking red-orange body with a glowing neon-blue stripe is a male trait. Females are far more subdued in color, so the two sexes look quite different at a glance.

3. 3Males Grow Filament Fins

   Males develop an elongated second dorsal spine and a thread-like first pelvic fin ray. Watching these delicate filaments trail as the fish swims is one of the joys of keeping this species.

4. 4From a Single Wetland Range

   This species is known only from wetlands around Timika in Indonesia's Papua province. Having adapted to that specific environment, it tends to be sensitive to sudden changes in water quality or temperature.

5. 5Best for Intermediate Keepers

   This species is rated as suitable for intermediate keepers. Its small size makes it sensitive to environmental swings, so consistently maintaining stable water quality and temperature is important.

6. 6Best Kept in a Group

   Keeping several individuals together lets you see their natural, settled schooling behavior and the color displays males show off to one another. Consider bringing home a small group rather than a single fish.

7. 7Acclimate Slowly at Arrival

   Because this fish is small and delicate, avoid sudden shifts in temperature or water chemistry when introducing it, and give it a slow, gradual acclimation to help prevent stress. Keep a close eye on it during the first days after arrival.

Frequently asked questions about Red Neon Blue-eye

Q.How big does the Red Neon Blue-eye grow?

A.Adults reach only about 1.9 cm in standard length, making this one of the smallest blue-eye species. This compact size makes it easy to keep even in a small tank.

Q.Can beginners keep this fish?

A.This species is considered suitable for intermediate keepers rather than complete beginners. Because of its small size and sensitivity to water quality changes, it's best introduced once you're comfortable with basic aquarium maintenance.

Q.How can I tell males from females?

A.Males show a red-orange body with a neon-blue stripe along the flank, while females are much plainer. Males also develop a filamentous second dorsal spine and first pelvic fin ray, making the difference easy to spot.

Q.How many should I keep together?

A.This species does best when kept in a group rather than alone. Bringing home several individuals together makes it easier to observe their natural schooling behavior and the color displays between males.

Q.Are there any import or CITES regulations for this fish?

A.It is not listed under CITES.

Useful tools for Red Neon Blue-eye care

Learn more about Red Neon Blue-eye in the encyclopedia

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