Paskai Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil paskai) – A Complete Care Guide

Latin Name: Pseudomugil paskai
Common Names: Paskai Rainbowfish, Red Neon Blue-Eye

Paskai Rainbowfish is a small, vibrant species that stands out due to its stunning coloration and peaceful demeanor. Known for their bright, neon-like appearance and fascinating behavior, these fish are ideal for nano tanks or peaceful community aquariums. This guide explores their natural habitat, aquarium care, and breeding tips to help aquarists enjoy and care for these beautiful fish.

Paskai Rainbowfish in the Wild

The Paskai Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil paskai) is native to the lowland rainforests of Papua New Guinea. They are found in slow-moving freshwater environments such as creeks, streams, and small pools, which are often shaded by dense forest canopy. These waters are typically clear and slightly acidic, with dense vegetation that provides ample hiding places for small fish like the Paskai Rainbowfish.

In the wild, they feed on small invertebrates, insect larvae, and planktonic organisms. The rainforest habitat provides them with plenty of food sources and shelter from predators.

Appearance and Behavior

Paskai Rainbowfish are small, growing to a maximum length of about 1.2 inches (3 cm). They are known for their vibrant, electric-blue bodies with contrasting red or orange fins. Males tend to have brighter colors and elongated fin rays, making them particularly striking during courtship displays.

These fish are active, peaceful swimmers that spend most of their time in the upper and middle levels of the tank. They are shoaling fish and should be kept in groups of at least 6 to 8 individuals to reduce stress and encourage natural schooling behavior. When kept in groups, their dynamic interactions and playful nature make them a joy to observe.

Aquarium Care for Paskai Rainbowfish

Paskai Rainbowfish are relatively easy to care for, but they thrive best when their aquarium environment closely mimics their natural habitat.

Tank Setup

• Tank Size: A 10-gallon tank is sufficient for a small group of Paskai Rainbowfish, though a larger tank (20 gallons or more) is better if you plan to keep them with other species.
• Water Temperature: Maintain a water temperature between 75°F and 80°F (24°C to 27°C). They prefer stable, warm conditions.
• Water Parameters: These fish do well in slightly acidic to neutral water, with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. They prefer soft to moderately hard water with a hardness of 5 to 12 dGH.
• Filtration: Paskai Rainbowfish come from calm waters, so gentle filtration is best. A sponge filter or a low-flow filter works well without creating too much current.
• Aquascaping: Mimic their natural environment by adding live plants such as Java Moss, Anubias, and Hornwort. Floating plants like Amazon Frogbit or Water Lettuce help diffuse lighting and provide a sense of security. They enjoy densely planted areas where they can hide and rest, combined with open swimming spaces.

Lighting

Moderate lighting is ideal for Paskai Rainbowfish. They will display their best colors under proper lighting conditions, and floating plants can help create dappled light, similar to their shaded natural habitat.

Feeding

In their natural environment, Paskai Rainbowfish feed on small insects, larvae, and other micro-organisms. In captivity, they readily accept a variety of foods.

• Staple Diet: High-quality micro-pellets or flake food can be used as their daily diet.
• Supplemental Food: For best health and coloration, supplement their diet with live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and mosquito larvae. They also enjoy finely chopped bloodworms.
• Feeding Frequency: Feed them small amounts once or twice a day, ensuring they consume all the food within a few minutes to avoid overfeeding.

Tank Mates

Paskai Rainbowfish are peaceful and do well in community tanks with other small, non-aggressive species. Due to their size and calm nature, they should be housed with similar species to avoid competition or stress.

Good tank mates include:

• Small rasboras (such as Chili Rasbora)
• Ember Tetras
• Corydoras (Pygmy Corydoras are a good choice)
• Dwarf shrimp (such as Cherry Shrimp)
• Other small rainbowfish

Avoid larger or aggressive fish that may outcompete or intimidate them.

Breeding Paskai Rainbowfish

Breeding Paskai Rainbowfish in captivity is relatively straightforward, especially with a well-established tank and proper conditions. They are egg scatterers and will readily breed if the water conditions are right.

• Breeding Tank Setup: Set up a separate 5- to 10-gallon breeding tank with fine-leaved plants or a spawning mop for the eggs to adhere to. Keep the water temperature around 78°F (26°C) and maintain soft, slightly acidic water (pH 6.5-7.0).
• Spawning Behavior: Males will display their vibrant colors and elongated fins to attract females. The pair will spawn by scattering eggs among the plants or mops. It’s important to remove the adults after spawning, as they may eat the eggs.
• Caring for Eggs and Fry: The eggs will hatch in 7 to 10 days, depending on the water temperature. The fry are tiny and need infusoria or commercial liquid fry food for the first few days. Once they are large enough, they can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or finely powdered flake food.

Conclusion

The Paskai Rainbowfish is a colorful and peaceful species that adds a lively touch to any nano or community aquarium. Their iridescent colors, peaceful nature, and active swimming make them a joy to observe. With the right tank conditions, diet, and care, these fish will thrive and even breed, providing aquarists with years of enjoyment. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced fishkeeper, Paskai Rainbowfish are a wonderful addition to any planted or peaceful tank setup.