Honey Blue-eye

The honey blue-eye is a tiny species endemic to the tea-colored, very soft and acidic streams of the sandy coastal heathland (wallum) of southeast Queensland. It is named after the honey-amber body of the males; its blue eyes and dark-edged fins form a lovely contrast with this warm tone. It is about 3 cm long. It is endangered in the wild because its habitat is shrinking due to coastal development and land use; fish in the hobby come from captive-bred lines and should not be collected from the wild.

• At least 30 liters for a group of 6–10.
• 24–26°C, very soft and acidic water (pH 5.5–6.5 ideal); tannins from dried leaves and roots are beneficial.
• Dense plants, moss and floating plants; weak flow.
• Small, frequent water changes; avoid sudden changes in water parameters.
• Hybridization: It can hybridize with other Pseudomugil species; breed the species separately to keep a pure line.

Omnivorous but with a very small mouth. It feeds on newly hatched brine shrimp, cyclops, microworms and powdered foods; live food is important for conditioning.

Peaceful and delicate; it stays near the surface, and males display to each other. It does not harm shrimp.

Good companions: Caridina and Neocaridina shrimp, Boraras, otocinclus, very small peaceful fish that like soft water.

Avoid: Any fish that can fit it in its mouth, fast and greedy species, fish that need hard water; other Pseudomugil species if you plan to breed.