Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbow
Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbow (Pseudomugil luminatus) is one of the most visually extraordinary nano fish available. Males display a vivid orange-red body with electric blue eyes, yellow-orange fins, and dramatically elongated fin extensions that fan out in display. The species name luminatus means 'illuminated' — an apt description for the almost neon intensity of the male's coloration.
Feeding & Care Tip: Sera Vipan Baby is the ideal daily staple — crush lightly before feeding. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp to maintain the intense red-orange and blue eye coloration. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily in a calm environment where these small fish can feed without competition.
Native to the Fly River and Daru region of southern Papua New Guinea and surrounding areas. This species was only formally described in 2016, making it one of the more recently introduced Pseudomugil to the hobby. It inhabits slow-moving, heavily vegetated streams and billabongs with soft, slightly acidic to neutral water.
Keep in groups of at least eight with mixed sexes. Male display is among the most spectacular in the Pseudomugil genus — the intense red-orange body combined with electric blue eyes and fanned fin extensions creates an extraordinary display. Keep only with other very small, peaceful species.
Blue-eye rainbowfish are best kept in a densely planted aquarium with fine-leaved plants and gentle filtration — strong currents will exhaust these small fish. They are most spectacular in natural-toned setups with dark substrate where the iridescent fin extensions and vivid eye color catch the light. Keep only with other small, peaceful species. Larger or more boisterous tankmates will outcompete them for food and space.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Easy — Moderate |
| Temperament | Peaceful — Nano Community |
| Typical Adult Size | 1.2 inches (3 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | 8 minimum — mixed sexes for best display |
| Ideal Temp | 72–82°F (22–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Ideal GH | 2–12 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 1–6 dKH |
| Staple Food | Sera Vipan Baby |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp |
| Origin | Fly River and Daru region, southern Papua New Guinea |
| Notes | Described only in 2016 — relatively new to the hobby. Luminatus means 'illuminated.' One of the most intensely colored nano fish available. Orange-red body with electric blue eyes and elaborate fin extensions. Keep with only small peaceful species. |
