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| Pseudomugil paludicola - photo© Günther Schmida |
Allen and Moore, 1981
Swamp Blue-eye
Description
Body transparent, with silvery head and abdomen. Pelvic fins yellowish. Edge of second dorsal fin in males yellowish. Female's caudal fin base yellowish and anterior portion of anal fin pale yellow. This species probably has a number of colour varieties. A variety collected from the Sorong area in West Papua have a semi-transparent body and when viewed under overhead lighting the dorsal area of the male's body has a beautiful blue coloration much like Pseudomugil cyanodorsalis but not as intense. The pelvic, pectoral and anal fins show a slight hint of yellow. Females are smaller and have smaller fins but lack the colours of the males. A yellow coloured form has been reported from the upper Kikori River in PNG.
Distribution
They were first collected in 1973 by R. Moore in a mangrove creek near Bulla at the mouth of the Morehead River, Papua New Guinea. They are also reported as being very common in the swamp lands of the lower Pahoturi River. Other collections have been in the Sorong area, West Papua and Kikori River system in Papua New Guinea. However, probably widely distributed over much of New Guinea.
Habitat & Ecology
A stream dwelling species found in coastal rainforest streams and swamps associated with thick aquatic vegetation. A temperature of 26.8°C and pH 7.6 were recorded from one collection site. Pseudomugil paludicola are probably euryhaline and tolerate a wide range of environmental conditions. Body moderately compressed and elongated, growing to a length of around 3 cm SL. Two dorsal fins, separated by a small gap, the first much smaller than the second. Males are easily distinguished from females by their brighter colours and longer and more elongated dorsal fin. An egg-scatterer, generally spawning amongst aquatic plants and grasses. Eggs adhere to water plants and hatching occurs around 15 days at a temperature of 25° Celsius.
Remarks
This species was named "paludicola" (Latin for "swamp dweller") with reference to its favoured habitat. It is a very attractive species and will be much sought after once reasonably stocks become available in the hobby. In 1979 Gerald Allen returned to Australia with live specimens but unfortunately they departed this life before any were bred and distributed in the hobby. Another collection was made in the Sorong area and small populations have become established in the US and Europe. Some of these specimens found their way into the Australian aquarium hobby but again, failed to become established.
© Copyright Adrian R. Tappin
Updated January, 2007.
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