Paskai Rainbowfish Care Guide

The Paskai Rainbowfish (Pseudomugil paskai), also known as the Red Neon Blue-Eye, is a small, brilliantly colored freshwater fish prized for its vibrant red body and striking blue eyes. Its dazzling appearance and peaceful nature make it a favorite for nano and planted aquariums.

Origin
Native to Papua New Guinea, the Paskai Rainbowfish inhabits slow-moving streams, creeks, and shallow vegetated waters. In the aquarium trade, they are bred for their intense coloration and hardiness.

Appearance
These tiny fish grow to around 1.2 inches in length and display bright red to orange bodies with contrasting electric-blue eyes. Males are more vividly colored and have slightly longer fins, especially during courtship displays.

Behavior
Paskai Rainbowfish are active, peaceful schooling fish that do best in groups of six or more. They spend much of their time in the mid-to-upper areas of the aquarium, constantly darting and interacting with one another.

Tank Setup

* Minimum tank size: 10 gallons for a small school.
* Provide dense planting, including floating plants, to mimic their natural habitat and provide cover.
* Gentle filtration and calm water flow are preferred.
* A dark substrate can help enhance their colors.

Water Parameters

* Temperature: 72–82°F
* pH: 6.0–7.5
* Soft to moderately hard water

Diet
These fish are omnivores and should be fed a varied diet of high-quality micro pellets, crushed flakes, and live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, and cyclops.

Tank Mates
Paskai Rainbowfish mix well with other small, peaceful species such as chili rasboras, ember tetras, small danios, and freshwater shrimp. Avoid large or aggressive tank mates.

Care Tips

* Keep them in groups to reduce stress and encourage natural behavior.
* Perform regular water changes to maintain pristine water quality.
* Feed small, frequent meals to suit their fast metabolism.

Conclusion
The Paskai Rainbowfish is a dazzling, active species that adds a burst of color and movement to any peaceful community aquarium. Its manageable size, hardiness, and stunning appearance make it a gem for nano and planted tank enthusiasts.

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