Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbow (Pseudomugil luminatus)

Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil luminatus) is a dazzling nano fish native to Papua, Indonesia. Known for its vibrant red-orange body, iridescent blue stripe, and glowing blue eyes, it’s a favorite among aquarists for planted tanks and nano setups.

Species Overview

• Scientific Name: Pseudomugil luminatus
• Common Names: Red Neon Blue Eye, Luminatus Rainbow
• Size: 1–1.5 inches (2.5–3.8 cm)
• Lifespan: Up to 2 years
• Temperament: Peaceful, social, active swimmers
• Difficulty: Beginner to intermediate

Tank Setup

• Minimum Tank Size: 15–20 gallons for a group
• Aquascape: Dense vegetation, floating plants, driftwood, leaf litter
• Lighting: Moderate to low (dark substrate and background enhance colors)
• Filtration: Gentle flow; sponge filters ideal for breeding tanks
• Tank Level: Mid to top swimmers

Water Parameters

• Temperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)
• pH: 6.0–7.5
• Hardness: 5–15 dGH
• TDS: 36–215 ppm
• Water Quality: Stable and clean; weekly water changes are essential

Diet

• Type: Omnivorous
• Staples:
  • High-quality micro pellets or flakes
  • Live/frozen foods: Daphnia, brine shrimp, microworms
  • Occasional blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini)
• Feeding Tip: Small mouths—use finely crushed or micro-sized food

Breeding

• Method: Egg scatterers; no parental care
• Spawning Setup:
  • Separate breeding tank with spawning mops or fine-leaved plants
  • Slightly cooler water changes to trigger spawning
• Egg Care:
  • Remove adults post-spawning to prevent egg predation
  • Eggs hatch in 7–10 days
  • Feed fry infusoria or liquid fry food, then baby brine shrimp

Tankmates

• Compatible With:
  • Small peaceful fish: rasboras, tetras, danios
  • Dwarf shrimp (e.g., Neocaridina), snails
  • Bottom dwellers: Otocinclus, panda corydoras
• Avoid: Larger or aggressive fish that may intimidate or eat them