Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish

Red Neon Blue-eye Rainbowfish, Pseudomugil luminatus, is a small rainbowfish native to Papua New Guinea. It is known from clear, slow-moving streams and creeks associated with forested lowland and foothill regions, where water is clean, well oxygenated, and gently flowing. These habitats often contain submerged grasses, marginal plants, leaf litter, and open sunlit areas, creating a mix of cover and open swimming space.

Adult Red Neon Blue-eye Rainbowfish typically reaches about 1.25 to 1.5 inches in length. The body is slender and semi-transparent with a glowing red to orange base color that intensifies under good conditions. As the name suggests, the eyes are bright metallic blue and stand out sharply against the red body. Males develop elongated, highly decorative fins with electric blue edging and red highlights, especially in the dorsal and anal fins. When displaying, males are extremely vibrant and constantly flash color at one another, making them visually striking despite their small size. Females are smaller, less colorful, and more streamlined.

A tank of at least 15 to 20 gallons is recommended for a proper group. Red Neon Blue-eye Rainbowfish are highly social and should be kept in groups of six or more, with a higher ratio of females to males to reduce constant competition. The aquarium should include open swimming space combined with plants along the edges and background. Fine-leaved plants, grasses, and floating vegetation work especially well. Gentle to moderate water movement is ideal, as this species enjoys some flow but does not thrive in stagnant conditions.

Water conditions should be clean and stable. Temperatures between 72 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are appropriate, with a pH range of roughly 6.5 to 7.5 and soft to moderately hard water. Stability is more important than exact numbers, and regular water changes help maintain coloration, activity, and overall health.

Feeding Red Neon Blue-eye Rainbowfish is easy but requires small foods. In nature they feed on tiny insects, microcrustaceans, and zooplankton. In the aquarium they readily accept finely crushed flakes, micro-pellets, and frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and daphnia. A varied diet enhances fin development and brings out the strongest coloration in males.

Temperament is peaceful, energetic, and display-oriented. Red Neon Blue-eye Rainbowfish do very well in calm community aquariums with other small, non-aggressive species. Suitable tankmates include small rasboras, Boraras, peaceful tetras, Corydoras, and other gentle fish. They should not be housed with large or boisterous species that may intimidate them or outcompete them for food.

Breeding is possible in captivity. Like other Pseudomugil species, they are egg scatterers that deposit adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops. Adults do not provide parental care, and eggs or fry should be removed if breeding is desired. Fry are small and require infusoria or similarly fine foods at first.

Pseudomugil luminatus is a dazzling, high-energy nano rainbowfish that offers exceptional color and display behavior in a small package. When kept in groups with clean water, gentle flow, and appropriate tankmates, the Red Neon Blue-eye Rainbowfish becomes a constant source of movement and color that stands out in planted and naturalistic aquariums.