Australian Blue-eye
Pseudomugil signifer
Australia's tiny blue-eyed shoaler thrives where streams meet the sea.
About
The Australian blue-eye (Pseudomugil signifer) is a small, lively rainbowfish relative from coastal eastern Australia, where it moves between two very different worlds. Clear, cool forest streams and brackish mangrove estuaries. That adaptability is reflected in the wide natural range of water conditions it tolerates, making it a more forgiving fish than its intermediate care rating might suggest, provided the basics are right. Males are the showier sex, and when kept in a proper group of eight or more individuals, they will fan out their fins and posture at rivals in a constant, restless competition for female attention. Genuinely fascinating to watch. Keep this in mind if you're working with fish from the larger northern populations, as dominant males can seriously injure subordinates in cramped quarters; pairing them with active mid-water tankmates helps spread aggression around. Community-wise, comparably sized rainbowfishes, gudgeons, and small gobies all make sensible companions. This species is a natural shoaler, and solitary or small groups tend to be skittish and pale. Breeding happens readily in a mature, planted setup, with eggs attached by fine threads to vegetation near the water surface. Fry are small but accept standard micro-foods from day one. Worth noting: wild populations may eventually be reclassified into multiple species as genetic work continues, so fish from different regions of its range may not be as interchangeable as they currently appear.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Australian Blue-eye
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Australian Blue-eye get?
- The Australian Blue-eye reaches about 1.5–3" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Australian Blue-eye need?
- A minimum of 14 gallons is recommended for the Australian Blue-eye, with more room needed for a proper group.
- What water parameters does the Australian Blue-eye need?
- The Australian Blue-eye does best with a temperature of 64–82°F, a pH of 6.5–7.8, hardness around 5–15 dGH.
- Is the Australian Blue-eye aggressive?
- The Australian Blue-eye is generally peaceful and suits a community tank with similarly calm tankmates.
- What does the Australian Blue-eye eat?
- The Australian Blue-eye is an omnivore. It does well on a varied diet of quality flake or pellet plus occasional frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Australian Blue-eye live?
- With good care, the Australian Blue-eye typically lives 3-6 years.