Photo: Jesse de Vries, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Pacific blue-eye
Pseudomugil signifer
7 cm
Adult size
70 L
Minimum volume
8
Minimum group
5 years
Lifespan
Water parameters
Understand these values- Genus
- Pseudomugil
- Diet
- carnivore and planktivore
- Social life
- shoal
In the wild
Overview
This is the most widespread blue-eye in Australia, described from around Sydney. Highly variable between populations, with at least 15 recognised geographic forms, it may be split into several species in the future.
- Scientific name
- Pseudomugil signifer Kner, 1866
- Classification
- Atheriniformes › Pseudomugilidae
- IUCN Red List
- Least concern (LC)
Natural habitat
Endemic to eastern Australia: from Cape York Peninsula (Queensland) to Lake Merimbula (New South Wales), and a few Torres Strait islands
Observations (GBIF) and localities Native countries Rivers and lakes
It is found in the sea as well as in fresh water: tidal mangrove creeks, salt marshes, but also clear, cool forest streams, sometimes fast-flowing, and a few acidic blackwaters. The temperature varies from 15 to 28 °C depending on the season and latitude.
Behaviour
Most forms are peaceful and suit selected community tanks, with cyprinids, gobies, Eleotridae and small rainbowfish of similar size and temperament. In a shoal of at least 8 to 10, more if possible, it is less nervous. Food to match its size, mostly live (Daphnia, Moina, Artemia nauplii), and fine floating dry food.
Sources:FishBase Seriously Fish GBIF · Base map: Natural Earth