The aquatic world is home to a plethora of stunning nano-fish species, each with its own unique charm. Among these tiny fish is one of my all-time favorite aquarium fish — the Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish, scientifically known as Pseudomugil limitatus. Originating from the Merauke region of southern New Guinea in Indonesia, this nano-fish is brightly colored and has a stunning pattern. Their body exhibits a bright neon red/orange color with a light blue stripe on its back and a blue hue around its eyes. The fins have widely scattered black spots, and the tip of the caudal fin, along with the upper edges of the pectoral fins, feature prominent white and yellow markings.

With an average fully grown length of only 1 inch, and their super tiny mouths, I consider them ideal nano fish for smaller aquarium setups. Because of their petite nature and extremely small mouths, I’ve even successfully kept them with dwarf shrimp with very little apparent predation. In fact, I have personally bred both species in the same tank at the same time.

In their natural habitat, Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish can be found in heavily vegetated swamps with clear, slow-flowing water. These shoaling fish are social by nature and are often observed living in large schools. To recreate their natural behavior in the aquarium, I recommend keeping them in groups of a minimum of six or more. By doing so, you can witness the fascinating dynamics and vibrant colors displayed by these remarkable fish, making them feel more comfortable in your aquarium. You will often find them swimming together in place or around the tank as they tend to stay towards the top.

One important consideration is their shy nature, which requires careful selection of tank mates to avoid competition for food. In my experience, they can be easily out-competed for food, so it’s crucial to keep this in mind. Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish readily accept small dry foods, but they truly flourish when provided with a varied diet including foods like daphnia, microworms, and small pellets, which promote their vibrant coloration.

Breeding Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish can be relatively straightforward. They are egg scatterers that deposit adhesive eggs among fine-leaved plants, roots, spawning mops, and similar structures. However, it’s important to note that they have a tendency to prey on their own eggs and young, as I discovered the hard way. To maximize the survival of eggs and fry, providing ample plants and thick foliage to create numerous hiding spots is crucial.

The Red Neon Blue Eye Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil limitatus) is a beautiful addition to any aquarist’s collection. With their petite size, captivating colors, and peaceful nature, they bring life and vibrancy to nano aquariums. It’s no wonder they are one of my all-time favorite nano-fish. The pictures don’t do it justice — check out the video by scanning the QR code to see this fish in all its beauty!

As always, submit any questions, comments or requests to: PicKFishPets@gmail.com