Blueback Blue-eye

About

Found in mangrove swamps and saline coastal creeks of northern Australia, Pseudomugil cyanodorsalis is a member of the family Pseudomugilidae, closely related to the rainbowfishes. Its range is concentrated around Broome and the stretch between Darwin and Wyndham in the Northern Territory, where it tolerates remarkably salty and warm conditions. Sometimes venturing into waters approaching full marine salinity. Males are easy to identify: the upper body is a bright metallic blue, earning this species the informal name blueback blue-eye, a pattern unlike anything else in the genus. Though technically beginner-friendly in terms of basic care, this is not a fish for the general community tank. It is timid and easily pushed aside by boisterous tankmates, so it does best in a species-focused setup or with similarly peaceful, small companions. Keep them in groups of at least eight to ten, ideally more, since larger numbers settle the fish noticeably, bring out bolder coloration in males, and trigger the lively courtship displays males put on when competing for females. Breeding is very achievable in the aquarium. Females scatter eggs daily over plants or substrate, and the eggs hatch in two to three weeks depending on temperature. Fry grow quickly and can reach adulthood in around three months, though like other Pseudomugil species these fish are naturally short-lived.