Distribution Unconfirmed but possibly collected in the vicinity of Timika, the capital of Mimika Regency, Papua province, Indonesia.HabitatCollected exclusively from submerged riparian vegetation of terrestrial origin, and at the Samba River habitat the water was murky brown with a pH around 6.0.Maximum Standard Length30 – 35 mm.Aquarium SizeAn aquarium with base dimensions of 45 ∗ 30 cm should be the smallest considered.Water ConditionsTemperature: 18 – 26 °CpH: 6.5 – 7.5Hardness: 36 – 215 ppmSource: https://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/pseudomugil-sp-red-neon/

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Nichols, 1955Forktail Blue-eye This is a small species growing to around 5-6cm. Having two dorsal fins and separated by a gap. Usually around yellow green in colour. The dorsal and anal fins of the males are transparent and as it matures has yellow tips. The pectoral fins are also quite exquisite with a hint of red. The caudal fins appears as a fork which differs from the others in it’s genus. DistributionOriginally collected from Peria Creek, a tributary of the Kwagira (Kwagila) River, in eastern Papua New Guinea. Recently collected from Safia, in the Musa River valley and also found in small, clear rainforest streams. Ranging between Dyke Ackland and Collingwood Bays in PNG. HabitatThey are generally found in small, clear, relatively swift-flowing freshwater streams with abundant aquatic vegetation. Water conditions reported from their natural habitats are: Temperature 24-28.5°C; pH 7.0-8.0 and Hardness 90-180 ppm. Personal remarksHaving these fish in the shop on a consistent basis we are so glad to provide such remarkable specimens to the hobby. They are quite a hardy fish and they do well in groups of 6 or more. LiteratureAllen G.R. (1980) A Generic Classification of the Rainbowfishes (Family Melanotaeniidae). Records of the Western Australian Museum 8 (3): 449-490. Allen G.R. (1981) Popondetta connieae, a new species of rainbowfish (Melanotaeniidae) from Papua New Guinea. Revue française d’Aquariologie 8 (2): 43-46. Allen G.R. (1991) Field guide to the freshwater fishes of New Guinea. Christensen Research Institute, Madang, Papua New Guinea. Crockford B. (1984) The genus Popondetta. Fishes of Sahul 2(2): 66-68. Nichols J. T. (1955) Results of the Archbold expeditions. No. 71. Two new fresh-water fishes from New Guinea. American Museum Novitates 1735: 1-6. Saeed B., W. Ivantsoff, and G. R. Allen (1989) Taxonomic revision of the family Pseudomugilidae (Order Atheriniformes). Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 40: 719-787.

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Honey Blue-eye Species Summary Pseudomugil mellis is a small freshwater species endemic to Australia. They have a moderately compressed and elongated body; usually not exceeding 40 mm, but are more commonly found at lengths between 25 and 30 mm. Males are honey-coloured with the first two rays of the dorsal and anal fins black with creamy-brown centres and outer white margins. The body scales are lightly edged with black forming an attractive latticework pattern. They have two dorsal fins, separated by a small gap, the first much smaller than the second. Males are easily distinguished from females by their brighter colours and longer and more elongated dorsal fins. Females and juveniles have a plain light-amber coloured body with small unmarked translucent fins. Pseudomugil mellis was formally described by Gerald Allen and Walter Ivantsoff in 1982. Distribution & HabitatPseudomugil mellis have a patchy and restricted distribution in southern Queensland, extending from about 65 km north of Brisbane to Maryborough, including Fraser Island. The oligotrophic freshwater wetlands of Shoalwater Bay are the northernmost known habitat of Pseudomugil mellis, having been collected at the northern end of Dismal Swamp (Trnski et al. 1993). Although their range has been severely reduced, they are currently known from about 30 locations on both the mainland and Fraser Island. It is still relatively abundant in the Noosa River catchment and Fraser Island localities. Pseudomugil mellis is known to co-occur with Pseudomugil signifer in Lake Wabby and Bool Creek on Fraser Island, and Schnapper Creek and Big Tuan Creek on the mainland. Big Tuan Creek is a small coastal creek about 5 km south from the mouth of the Mary River. Most populations are totally isolated from one another. The former distribution of P. mellis may well have extended from Woodgate in central Queensland extending southwards to the Myall Lakes, in the northern coast region of New South Wales, including the offshore sand islands. This range has been fragmented by residential development, forestry plantations and agriculture. Most existing locations have been similarly affected by changes within their catchments. While a number of suitable habitat streams still exist in the region between Brisbane and Noosa, it is likely that most will show substantial differences in water chemistry in comparison to similar undisturbed streams. Its abundance within this area has been drastically reduced and it now only occurs as a number of isolated populations where there is suitable remaining habitat. Its continued existence is being threatened by continuing urban development and the spread of the introduced mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki). Pseudomugil mellis are typically found in slightly acidic and tannin-stained water in coastal heathland (wallum) swamps and streams. Wallum is a restricted region and hence any species of fauna confined to it are restricted in their distribution. However, they can also be found in clear water habitats. They inhabit freshwater dune lakes, creeks, swampy areas and wetlands. These waterbodies are characterised by low pH (4.4 to 6.8), and very low dissolved mineral salts. The first time I collected this species from the wild I recorded a water hardness of 10 mg/L CaCO3, pH 5.8, and conductivity 170 µS/cm. They can tolerate wide fluctuations in stream temperature, from 11°C in winter to 38°C in summer. They usually occur where there is little or no flow over sandy or muddy substrates with abundant emergent and submerged aquatic vegetation. The presence of aquatic vegetation appears to be essential for this species for shelter, foraging, spawning and the growth of larvae and fry. They may occur with Rhadinocentrus ornatus, Nannoperca oxleyana, Melanotaenia duboulayi and other small bodied native fishes. Reproductive BiologyThe reproductive biology of Pseudomugil mellis has been well documented from studies of wild populations and from specimens maintained in captivity. The following summarises much of that information: In their natural habitat females ready to release eggs have been found from September to January. Spent fish (examination of the ovaries indicates that only a small percentage of eggs are sufficiently developed to the stage at which they are able to be fertilised) have been collected from November to April. The number of spent males and females was found to be highest in January. This indicates that Pseudomugil mellis begin to spawn in the wild as early as September/October and that most members of the population have ceased to spawn by January/February. Spawning in the wild occurs at temperatures in the range of 26-28°C. Females spawn at around 17-22 mm in size with the larger females producing more eggs than smaller females. The small maturation size and the use of batch spawning over successive days were considered to be reasons for the successful recruitment of this species in the wild. Recruitment is further maximised by several mechanisms that decrease predation: territorial defence of the spawning site by the male, direct pairing with a short courtship, and larvae that swim at the surface and seek cover in the meniscus of floating objects when predators attack. In captivity, males exhibit territorial behaviour guarding the spawning site from intruding conspecifics. Prespawning behaviour is initiated adjacent to the spawning site by the male raising his fins and swimming in a zigzag pattern to block the female's retreat. Spawning usually occurs in late morning and early afternoon with the female entering the spawning site first, followed by the male. After spawning, the male will continue to display, defending his territory and thus the fertilised eggs. Spawning usually commences at around 10-12 months of age when water temperatures exceed 20°C and the fish are about 20 mm in size. Sexual dimorphism is evident, with adult males having larger and more colourful dorsal and anal fins. Males develop black and white fin marking with a golden bronze sheen to the body when displaying. Females spawn 1-15 eggs each day for about 7-9 days, with 1 to 4 eggs at a time being released amongst aquatic vegetation or spawning mops. A total of 42-125 eggs can be released over that period. Eggs are demersal, adhesive and attached to aquatic plants or spawning mop. After spawning females rest for 4-9 days, during which time they formed schools. Water hardened eggs range from 1.29-1.64 mm in diameter, probably depending on the size of the female and have adhesive tendrils or filaments to attach them to the spawning site. Eggs hatch 12-14 days (288-336 hours) after fertilisation at a constant water temperature of 24°C. At slightly elevated water temperatures of 25-27°C eggs hatched between 5 and 8 days (112-190 hours). Larvae are around 3.60-5.00 mm SL at hatching and begin feeding at the surface after absorption of the yolk and oil droplets (3-80 hours after hatching). Juveniles feed mid-water or from benthic surfaces. The secret in maintaining long-term captive populations of Pseudomugil mellis is to constantly breed them. There is a reduction in the frequency and intensity of spawning activity in fish over one year of age. If you fail to notice the change they become too old and then you just lose them. Try to obtain young specimens and breed them early and regularly and you will always have some around to enjoy. Because each female only lays a few eggs each day, it can take a while before you have significant numbers. If possible, start with 6-10 juveniles rather than adults pairs. They are easy to maintain under standard aquarium conditions and will develop on standard commercial fish foods. Mature fish can be easily set up and induced to spawn by manipulation of water temperature and photoperiod throughout the year. When maintained under appropriate aquarium conditions, survival rates above 90% can be attained. RemarksPseudomugil mellis currently has a conservation status listing as vulnerable (Nature Conservation Act 1992 (Queensland): December 2014). You can do your part in helping to preserve this species and their natural habitat by breeding and maintaining captive populations. Collecting wild specimens for the hobby can have a direct impact on their population numbers to the extent that they could become locally extinct. It is becoming increasingly difficult to find them at the popular spots in Tin Can Bay. We know that their populations undergo large fluctuations associated with seasonal recruitment and if they are over-collected during a period of low population numbers, they may never recover and we could well see them disappear from that location. Habitat destruction or alteration in some areas has also favoured the spread of the aquatic terrorist, Gambusia holbrooki. From: https://rainbowfish.angfaqld.org.au/Mellis.htm Reference of Photo: Gunther Schmida

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Species Summary The head and body of male Pseudomugil ivantsoffi is semitransparent, often with a bluish or reddish hue. Iris of eye intensely blue. The opercle, abdomen and swim bladder region are silvery. The upper half of first dorsal and anterior half of second dorsal fins, and edge of anal fin are bright red. The dorsal and ventral contour posterior to second dorsal and anal fins edged with similar red; the upper and lower third of caudal fin also red. The pelvic fins are pinkish. The edges of some scales on abdomen with narrow black margins. Females overall semitransparent, lacking bright red shades of male; opercle, abdomen and swim bladder region silvery; some scales on anterior half of body with faint, fine black margins; fins mainly translucent to faintly yellowish, the outer tips of the first and second dorsal fins yellow. This is a small species, slender and laterally compressed, growing to a length of around 3-4 cm SL. Named "ivantsoffi" in honour of Walter Ivantsoff, of Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia, in recognition of his valuable contributions to the knowledge of atherinoid taxonomy.   This fish was initially identified as Pseudomugil reticulatus, based on the close resemblance of females from the Timika area to the single known example of that species collected about two kilometres east of Ayamaru (Ajamaru) Lake in the centre of the Vogelkop Peninsula. However, recent collections near the type locality of Pseudomugil reticulatus, which lies some 900 km northwest of Timika, revealed that the two populations are distinctive. Distribution & HabitatPseudomugil ivantsoffi have been found in the tributaries of the Ajkwa, Iwaka, Wataikwa and Kopi Rivers in the Timika-Tembagapura region of West Papua. When first collected in 1995 this species was common in several creeks. The habitat consisted of small (1-2 m wide), shallow, slow-flowing streams in dense rainforest. The water was generally clear, but some were tannin-stained, with sparse aquatic vegetation. Bottom conditions included sand, gravel, cobble, and rocks. Water temperature and pH values ranged from 24-28°C and pH 6.7-7.8 respectively. Other fishes collected from these habitats include Pseudomugil pellucidus, Pseudomugil novaeguineae, Melanotaenia goldiei, Melanotaenia rubrostriata, and Melanotaenia ogilbyi. The same species and habitat conditions were encountered in January 1997, but by the following year, after a prolonged El Niño related drought, the two species of Pseudomugil, as well as Melanotaenia ogilbyi, could not be found in any of the former areas. The Kuala Kencana housing development and recent forest destruction near the Kopi River sites may well have caused the local extinction of these species. However, they no doubt will continue to survive in primary forest to the immediate east and west of the Timika region. The Timika region includes the following rivers: Kamora River (Kamora, Tuaba, Wataikwa, Iwaka) Wania River, Tipuka River, Ajkwa River, Minajerwi River (Minajerwi, Kopi, Aimua) Mawati River, Otokwa River, Mamoa River (Mamoa, Seruka) Atuka River (Atuka, Wapuka) [The Atuka River meanders north to its junction with the Kamora River, very close to the village of Mioko.] The dark colouration in 'blackwater' streams is due to the presence of organic substances. This black or tea colouration is quite common in the area, due to extensive heath forest. These streams start in the heath and are shorter and narrower than the rivers which begin in the mountains and have enough volume from rainfall to dissolve the colouration. The blackwater streams all drain into the rivers. Reference: https://rainbowfish.angfaqld.org.au/ivantsoffi.htm

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Species: Pseudomugil tenellus Maximum size: 4.0 - 5.5 cm pH: 5.5 - 7.5 Temperature: 25ºC - 32ºC Hardness: 90 - 357 ppm Diet: Items of adequate size and quality, especially Daphnia, Moina, Artemia, micro worms, etc., must be offered. Dry foods that should ideally contain some plant material or seaweed. Behavior: It is best to keep aquariums densely planted, with the addition of some floating plants and roots or wood. Species of the shoal, peaceful, and suitable for community aquariums. Sexual dimorphism: Males have more diversified patterns and colors and larger fins than females. Origin: Australia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea.

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Weber, 1911 Spotted Blue-eye Species Summary Pseudomugil gertrudae is a small freshwater fish growing to a size of around 30 mm and is endemic to Australia and New Guinea. They have a moderately compressed and elongated body that is a semi-transparent silvery-blue colour, sometimes having an overall wash of golden-yellow, with the swim bladder clearly visible. They have two dorsal fins, very close together, the first much smaller than the second. The tips of the pectoral fins can be bright yellow, orange or orange-red, other fins often edged with white. The dorsal, anal and tail fins can be clear to white, silvery-grey or yellow with rounded or oblong dark spots scattered all over. Several rows of body scales are edged in black forming an attractive latticework pattern over the body. All scales except those of the mid-dorsal and mid-ventral rows have a spot varying in size and intensity from specimen to specimen and from time to time in the same specimen, forming about 6 rows of discontinuous lines, except for the mid-lateral stripe, which tends to be continuous from just below and in line with the origin of the first dorsal fin to the caudal peduncle. Females generally have a deeper body than the males whilst the adult males have larger dorsal, anal and pelvic fins, with extended filaments on the first dorsal and pelvic fins. Males also exhibit more intense spotting on the body and fins. This species has a patchy distribution where it occurs and as such, there is considerably variation between the different populations in colouration and body size, as well as fin size and shape. The variety from Weipa is one of the most impressive forms and can be found in Melaleuca swamps besides the road leading into town. A similar form can be found in Pappan Creek that flows into the Mission River. The forms typical of those found at the top of Cape York in areas such as the Jardine River (and its associated swamps) and Burster Creek have large round fins and multiple small spots. In Arnhem Land a nice form with golden body colours occurs in Goanna Lagoon while not far away in the Giddy River the fish have larger fins with larger spots but no golden body colour. Specimens collected in the Darwin region typically have orange pectoral fins. There are many other forms of this beautiful little fish and new ones are regularly being discovered. Pseudomugil gertrudae from the Aru Islands are larger and have an overall golden colour (fins and body). To date there has been no research published on the genetic or physical characteristics of the various populations. Pseudomugil gertrudae is very similar to the endemic New Guinea species, Pseudomugil paskai. Both species are characterised by rows of permanent spots covering the fins. The only differences being the colour and shape of the fins. Pseudomugil gertrudae were originally collected from Terangan Island (one of the Aru Islands), which lies directly south of the Vogelkop Peninsula in western New Guinea. They were described by Max Wilhelm Carl Weber, Professor of Zoology at the University of Amsterdam in 1911 and named "gertrudae" after the wife of Dr. Hugo Merton, a German naturalist who travelled through the Aru Islands between October 1907 and August 1908. Distribution Map (Absence from other catchments may reflect a lack of sampling rather than non-existence.) Distribution & Habitat In Australia, Pseudomugil gertrudae has been found in scattered localities in river systems which flow into the Timor Sea and Gulf of Carpentaria - from Darwin through Kakadu and Arnhem Land to Cape York Peninsula, including the offshore islands of Bathurst, Melville and Groote Eylandt, plus some of the islands in the Torres Strait. They are widespread throughout Cape York Peninsula, extending down the eastern coastal plains to around the Innisfail - Tully region. Their known distribution within Australia includes the Adelaide, Alligator, Blyth, Buckingham, Cadell, Cato, Daly, Finniss, Liverpool, and the Moyle River systems in the Northern Territory; including the smaller catchments around Darwin. In Queensland they have been found in the Barron, Coen, Dulhunty, Embley, Endeavour, Jacky Jacky, Jardine, Johnstone, McIvor, Moresby, Mulgrave, Murray, Olive, Russell, Tully and Wenlock Rivers, plus the smaller coastal streams. They have also been found in oligotrophic sand dune lakes in the Cape Flattery and Shelburne Bay region. The known New Guinean distribution includes the Aru Islands, the Pahoturi, Fly (Elevala River, Lake Bosset) and Bensbach (Torassi) river systems. They probably occur elsewhere along the southern coast of New Guinea that has suitable habitat. Pseudomugil gertrudae are found in small creeks, lagoons, billabongs, swampy marshes and rainforest streams, often associated with dense aquatic vegetation, woody debris and leaf litter. They are almost exclusively found in vegetated lagoons and backwaters with clear water where they can be seen swimming in the shallow waters along the margins. Floating species of waterplants or bottom rooted emergents with floating leaves occur in most, if not all, of their natural habitats. Substrates are usually mud or silt, and there is an abundance of water plants growing to the surface around the margins. Sometimes they may have water plants growing in the deeper water in the middle. Lagoons often have a thick layer of leaf litter around the margins. They are seldom found in turbid lagoons, even when there are abundant water plants. The water in some habitats is often intensely discoloured by tannic acids leached from decaying vegetation. These 'blackwater' habitats are generally acidic, with pH levels from 3.9 to 6.8, have low conductivity (dissolved ions), and vary in their dissolved organic matter, ionic composition, and colour. Alkalinity and hardness levels are very low. Factors contributing to these variations are age, formation, layers of low permeability and peats, proximity to the sea, surrounding vegetation, and the extent to which leaf litter accumulates and decays in the water. However, habitat conditions can vary substantially and Pseudomugil gertrudae have been collected from natural habitats within the following range of water conditions: Temperature: 12-34° Celsius pH 3.68-9.4 Conductivity: 12-646 µS/cm Hardness 0-320 ppm Alkalinity 2-180 ppm  

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