Paska's Blue Eye

Paska's Blue EyePaska's Blue Eye (Pseudomugil paskai) is a tiny, jewel-like blue-eye rainbowfish from the rainforest streams of southern New Guinea, where it lives among dense vegetation in slow-flowing, tea-stained water. Topping out around 1.4 inches, males show a translucent body washed blue below and gold above, fins edged in white, yellow, or red with scattered black spots, long trailing pelvic fins, and the bright blue eye ring that gives the group its name. Rarely seen in US stores, it is a perfect nano-aquascape fish — small, peaceful, and constantly on display as males spar and flare their fins at each other.Keep them in a group of 8 or more with more females than males (about 1 male to 2–3 females). Males display constantly to each other and to females, which is when they look their best; they never seriously harm one another. A densely planted tank with gentle flow, floating plants, and a dark background shows off their colors.Ideal tankmates are other small, peaceful nano species — Chili or Phoenix Rasboras, Ember Tetras, small Corydoras, Otocinclus, and Neocaridina shrimp. Avoid boisterous or fin-nipping fish, which will outcompete them at feeding time. They spawn readily on fine-leaved plants or spawning mops; adults will eat eggs, so move mops to a separate container if you want to raise fry.Feeding & Care Tip: Feed small, often: Hikari Frozen Baby Brine Shrimp and Hikari Frozen Daphnia are the true ideal foods and bring out the best color in males. Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes, crushed fine, make a good daily staple. Blue-eyes have very small mouths and feed mostly at the surface and in mid-water, so food that sinks quickly is often ignored.Care & Ideal Parameters Difficulty Moderate Temperament Peaceful Adult Size 1.2–1.4 in (3–3.5 cm) Group Size 8+, about 1 male : 2–3 females Ideal Temperature 76–80°F (24–27°C) Ideal pH 6.0–7.0 Ideal GH 3–10 dGH Staple Food Sera Vipan Tropical Flakes (crushed) Treat / Supplement Hikari Frozen Baby Brine Shrimp, Frozen Daphnia Lifespan 2–3 years Origin Southern New Guinea (Etna Bay to Fly River) Notes Small mouths — feed fine foods several times a day. Best colors in a planted tank with floating plants. Egg scatterer on fine-leaved plants or mops.