Southern Blue Eye Rainbow - Pseudomugil signifer

Southern Blue Eye Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil signifer)

The Southern Blue Eye Rainbowfish, Pseudomugil signifer, is a peaceful Australian blue-eye with a slim body, bright reflective eye, active shoaling behaviour and attractive yellow to clear fins that mature males use during display. Also known as the Pacific Blue-eye, Blue-eye or Southern Blue-eye, this adaptable small rainbowfish is ideal for mature planted aquariums, temperate-to-tropical community setups and carefully managed outdoor tubs in suitable weather. It is hardy when settled, but sensitive to sudden changes, so stable water quality and careful acclimation are important.

Common Name:
Southern Blue Eye Rainbowfish, Southern Blue-eye, Pacific Blue-eye, Blue-eye, Pacific Blue Eye.

Scientific Name (Latin):
Pseudomugil signifer

Maximum Size:
Usually around 3.5–5 cm in aquariums, with larger males capable of reaching up to around 7 cm standard length.

Water Type:
Freshwater; naturally tolerant of brackish conditions, but normally kept in freshwater aquariums.

Origin / Natural Habitat:
Endemic to eastern Australia. This species occurs across a wide range of coastal habitats, including creeks, streams, rivers, swamps, lagoons, wetlands, drains and estuarine areas. It is often found in shallow marginal water among aquatic vegetation, submerged grasses, roots and cover, where groups feed and display in open patches.

Water Parameters:
Temperature: 18–26°C
pH Range: 6.5–7.8
Hardness or Salinity: Soft to moderately hard freshwater; adaptable within reason, but stable water chemistry and good oxygenation are important.

Temperament:
Peaceful, active and sociable. Southern Blue Eyes should be kept in groups, where males can display naturally and the fish feel secure. They are not aggressive, but may be intimidated by large or boisterous tank mates. Avoid keeping them with slow long-finned fish if fin-nipping becomes an issue.

Diet:
Omnivorous micro-feeder. Offer fine flakes, micro pellets, crushed granules, frozen daphnia, cyclops, baby brineshrimp, mosquito larvae and other suitably small foods. Small live or frozen foods help support colour, condition and breeding behaviour.

Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum of 60 litres is recommended for a small group, with 90 litres or more preferred for a larger shoal or mixed community setup. A longer aquarium with plants and open swimming areas is better than a very small tank.

Behaviour & Activity:
An active upper-to-midwater shoaling fish that spends much of its time moving between plants and open water. Keep at least 6 individuals, with 8–10 or more preferred. Males display by spreading their fins and showing brighter colour to females and rival males. Eggs are usually scattered among fine-leaved plants, mosses or spawning mops, and adults may eat eggs or fry if not separated.

Aquarium Category:
Community Fish
Suitable with peaceful fish that enjoy similar conditions, such as small rainbowfish, White Cloud Mountain Minnows, peaceful danios, small barbs, gobies, small catfish, snails and calm livebearers. Avoid large predators, aggressive cichlids, very warm tropical-only setups, persistent fin-nippers and fish that may dominate feeding.

Special Requirements or Care Notes:
Best kept in a mature, well-planted aquarium with stable water quality, gentle to moderate filtration, surface cover and open swimming space. Acclimate carefully, as Blue-eyes can be sensitive to sudden changes in water chemistry or temperature. A secure lid is recommended, as small active rainbowfish can jump. This species may tolerate cooler conditions better than many tropical rainbowfish, but avoid extremes and rapid swings.

Suitable for:
Beginner to intermediate fishkeepers

Availability:
Occasional in trade / Captive-bred or specialist import where relevant

All images are a visual representation of the fish you will receive, made to be as accurate as possible. Please note that Mother Nature is a wonderful thing, and variation in patterns and colours will occur — that is part of the unique beauty of these animals.