Red Neon Blue-Eye Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil luminatus)

Vibrant, delicate, and absolutely mesmerizing — the Red Neon Blue-Eye Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil luminatus) is one of the most stunning nano fish available in the hobby. With its glowing neon-blue eyes, vivid red-orange body, and flowing yellow-tipped fins, this tiny rainbowfish from New Guinea is a living jewel that transforms any planted nano aquarium into a breathtaking display.

Overview

Appearance

Males are the showstoppers — displaying a vivid orange-red body, electric blue eyes, and elongated dorsal and anal fins edged in bright yellow. Females are more subdued but still attractive with their translucent bodies and characteristic blue eyes. Males will display and flare their fins constantly when kept in groups, creating a dazzling, ever-moving spectacle.

Water Parameters & Tank Setup

• Temperature: 75 – 82°F (24 – 28°C)
• pH: 7.0 – 8.0
• General Hardness (GH): 8 – 20 dGH
• Tank Size: Minimum 10 gallons for a group
• Lighting: Moderate — their colours truly pop under good lighting
• Substrate: Dark substrate enhances their vivid colouration
• Plants & Decor: Dense planting with floating plants and open swimming areas; Java moss and fine-leaved plants are ideal for spawning

Diet & Feeding

Red Neon Blue-Eyes are micro-predators and require small, high-quality foods:

• Staple: High-quality micro pellets or nano fish flakes
• Treats: Baby brine shrimp, micro worms, daphnia, and cyclops
• Avoid: Foods too large for their small mouths

Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Best kept in groups of 8 or more, with a higher ratio of females to males to reduce male competition. Ideal tank mates include:

• Other nano fish (Chili Rasboras, Celestial Pearl Danios, Ember Tetras)
• Small Corydoras (Pygmy, Habrosus)
• Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp
• Small snails

Avoid housing with larger or boisterous fish that may outcompete them for food or cause stress.

Breeding

Red Neon Blue-Eyes are egg depositors and will scatter eggs among fine-leaved plants or moss. They do not guard their eggs. A separate breeding tank with Java moss or a spawning mop is recommended. Eggs hatch in 10–14 days and fry are very small — feed infusoria or commercial liquid fry food initially, graduating to micro worms and baby brine shrimp as they grow.

The Red Neon Blue-Eye Rainbowfish is a nano aquarium superstar — small in size but enormous in visual impact. Add a group to your planted tank and watch them light up every corner with colour and life.