Breeding Pacific Blue-Eye (Pseudomugil Signifer) In The Aquarium

Occurrence

A brackish species, which in natural conditions inhabits various habitats along the eastern coast of Australia: from rivers (both clear and dark waters), through floodplains, canals, swamps, to river deltas and coastal mangrove forests. Such a diversified environment influences the diversity of coloring, body size and fin morphology for individual fish populations. It should be noted that the taxonomic division has not yet been definitively established, especially as significant differences between fish populations from the north and south may affect the establishment of new taxonomic groups.

Physical appearance

The body coloration of this fish is basically olive-yellow-blue with a beautiful golden sheen. All fins are yellow, although the tail, anal and second dorsal fins may have a more intense shade. Depending on the specific population from which they originate, fins may also be rimmed in black, white or black and white. The species is distinguished by having two dorsal fins (the second of which is significantly wider), characteristic pectoral fins which are raised upwards, and the pelvic fins are significantly shifted towards the center of the abdomen. The iris of the fish - blue. Males are larger and more brightly colored compared to females.

Disposition

This is a shoaling, quiet and active species, which can easily be kept in a community aquarium with other fish of similar size and temperament, especially with rainbowfish. The group of fish should consist of at least eight individuals. This way they will be less stressed, and males will display beautiful colors to attract the attention of females. However, it should be remembered that fish change their coloring depending on mood, water conditions and diet. Fish should be fed crushed food. Occasionally, males may be aggressive towards each other, especially during the spawning season, at which time they may even fight to the death (northern populations). A decently sized aquarium should solve this problem.

Aquarium

Effectively when purchasing fish, we should make sure what conditions they lived in before and re-create similar conditions for them. The fish will feel good in both clear water and one lightly colored like tea. The aquarium should have a lot of plants, roots, branches, fine substrate (sandy or fine gravel), diffuse light (use of floating plants is advised). A stronger current in the water and good aeration are recommended. This species is sensitive to the chemical composition of the water, that is why fish should be introduced only to chemically mature tanks. Systematic partial water changes are required. There is no need to add salt to the water for the fish to develop and reproduce properly.

Reproduction

An oviparous species. Fish should be bred in a separate tank with acidic water at a temperature of 26-28°C, with plants with small and delicate leaves or other egg carriers (e.g. mops), with a sponge filter. Fish are stimulated to spawn by feeding them abundantly with live foods and/or more frequent water changes to warmer. The species should reproduce in a group: for each male, there should be 2-3 females. The male tempts the female by rapidly spreading and closing his fins. Then both fish touch their sides and shake. Each female lays her sticky roe in batches among plants, during morning-afternoon hours, for about a week. Parents do not take care of eggs or fry - they can eat them. Therefore, we should check the egg carriers daily in order to move the eggs for incubation in a separate tank. Depending on the water temperature, the fry hatches after 10-21 days and stays close to the water surface in the first period of their life. The fry is sensitive to water quality, therefore systematic partial water changes are essential.