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| Pseudomugil cyanodorsalis - photo© Neil Armstrong |
Allen and Sarti, 1983
Neon Blue-eye
Description
This is a very colourful species with the upper half of the males' body being metallic blue (similar to the Neon Tetra) and deserve a much better common name than Blueback Blue-eye as suggested by Allen. The lower half of the males' body is translucent to yellowish white. Single thin dark mid-lateral line running from base of pectoral fin to caudal fin. The first dorsal fin translucent, its outer border blackish and with small yellowish patch in basal part near last spine. Elongated anterior rays of second dorsal fin and base of this fin black. Remainder of fins creamy yellow. Pectoral fins translucent or slightly yellowish. Body of female semi-transparent, with translucent fins and white abdomen.
Distribution
Pseudomugil cyanodorsalis was first collected by Helen Larson in 1981 near Darwin in the Northern Territory. A year later Gerald Allen found them in Crab Creek, 15 km east of Broome in Western Australia and in 1983, was scientifically described by Allen and Sarti. Known from Broom and Wyndham in north-western Australia and from the vicinity of Darwin, Northern Territory. They have also been collected from coastal areas around the Gulf of Carpentaria in Queensland. I have no doubt that this species will eventually be found in southern New Guinea. Pseudomugil cyanodorsalis are sympatric with Pseudomugil inconspicuus, and are found together in at least one locality (Woods Inlet) near Darwin.
Habitat & Ecology
Pseudomugil cyanodorsalis are euryhaline and tolerate a wide range of ecological conditions. Although more commonly found in marine and brackish water environments they also inhabit freshwater, especially during the wet season. However, habitat preference appears to be mangrove-lined muddy creeks that may be highly saline. Body moderately compressed and elongated, maximum size about 25 mm SL. Two dorsal fins, very close together, the first much smaller than the second. Spawning usually occurs from October to December. Males' display with their dorsal and anal fins raised while actively pursuing a female. Eggs adhere to water plants and hatching occurs around 15 days depending on temperature and water conditions. Essentially a carnivore, feeding on a variety of terrestrial and aquatic insects, insect larvae, and small aquatic crustaceans.
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| Pseudomugil cyanodorsalis - photo© Günther Schmida |
Remarks
Pseudomugil cyanodorsalis were originally available in the Australian hobby in 1982 but failed to become established. Another wild-collection for the aquarium hobby was made in 1986 and today, they are widely distributed in the aquarium hobby all around the world. I have successfully bred and raised this species in both brackish and fresh water. However, many hobbyists assert that they will live longer, breed more freely, and produce more offspring if maintained in brackish water.
© Copyright Adrian R. Tappin
Updated January, 2007.
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