Pacific blue-eye - Pseudomugil signifer
Scientific name: Pseudomugil signifer
Common name: Pacific blue-eye
Family: Pseudomugilidae
Usual size in fish tanks: 4 - 5 cm (1.57 - 1.97 inch)
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Recommended pH range for the species: 5.5 - 7.8
Recommended water hardness (dGH): 5 - 15°N (89.29 - 267.86ppm)
0°C 32°F30°C 86°F
Recommended temperature: 21 - 28 °C (69.8 - 82.4°F)
The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning
Where the species comes from: Oceania
Temperament to its own species: peaceful
Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful
Usual place in the tank: Middle levels
Origin
Australia: Pacific blue-eye is to be found in coastal streams from Northern Queensland to southern New South Wales.
Lifespan
The expected life span for Pseudomugil signifer is 1-2 years.
Short description
Pseudomugil signifer will be quite happy in a smaller aquarium and can adapt to a wide range of parameters, frequent water changes are needed with a medium water flow in the tank. Shy and peaceful fish. Keep the water of good quality.
In the wild they have adapted to a wide range of water conditions, they can be found in freshwater, brackish and salt water making them very versatile in the aquarium. Having stated the last fact they do not tolerate swings in water parameters so never add these to an immature set up, they are best added to a mature aquarium with stable water parameters. The aquarium should be planted to make them feel secure and keep the lighting levels low so only use plants that can live in the lower lighting levels. Floating plants will help to diffuse the lighting levels and also provide more cover for the fish. In open aquariums they can be skittish as they will feel insecure. Aim the outlets of the filter towards the water surface to increase gaseous exchange as they like well oxygenated water and this will also provide some water flow which is ideal for these fish.
The Pacific Blue-eye is classed as a peaceful species and will mix well with other species of fish in a community set up but only use species of fish that are of a similar size, larger species of fish may see these as a food source. They are also classed as a shoaling species so should be kept in small groups of at least 6 specimens.
Food and feeding
Quality flake should be given for the staple diet. Blood worms and brine shrimp should also be fed 2-3 times per week to condition the fish.
Sexing
Males will have extended dorsal, anal, and pelvic fins. Their fins will also colour up when they are in spawning mode.
Breeding
As the males can become aggressive during spawning, it is best to keep 2-3 females with each male. Hiding places should also be included in the tank to help the females out. Java moss or spawning mops should be added to the breeding tank so that the eggs can be scattered into it. It can take anything up to 16 days for these eggs to hatch, the will also be comparatively large compared to the size of similar species. The fry will be capable of eating newly hatched brine shrimp as soon as they are free swimming.
Spawning may take place over several days with the female only depositing a few eggs at a time so make sure that no eggs are missed, to achieve a higher success rate it is best to move the eggs to a separate tank filtered by means of an air driven sponge filter. Regular water changes must be performed on a daily basis and once the fry are free swimming, small meals should be offered at least 2-3 times per day.
Picture
Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.