Pseudomugil paludicola - photo© Gunther Schmida

Pseudomugil paludicola

Species Summary
Pseudomugil paludicola are a small species growing to a maximum size of around 4~5 cm. They have a translucent body, with silvery head and abdomen. The pelvic fins are yellowish. The edge of the second dorsal fin in males is yellowish. In females, the caudal fin base is yellowish and the anterior portion of the anal fin is pale yellow. Males are easily distinguished from females by their brighter colours and longer and more elongated dorsal fin. Females are smaller and have smaller fins but lack the colours of the males.

There are probably a number of geographically isolated populations that have their own distinctive colouration. 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. A yellow coloured form has been reported from the upper Kikori River in Papua New Guinea.

Distribution & Habitat
Pseudomugil paludicola 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 swamplands of the lower Pahoturi River. Other collections have been in the Sorong region in West Papua and the Kikori and Binaturi river systems in Papua New Guinea. However, they are probably widely distributed in coastal streams over much of southern New Guinea.

Pseudomugil paludicola is a stream dwelling species found in clear coastal rainforest streams and swamps, often 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.

Remarks
This species was named "paludicola" (Latin for "swamp dweller") with reference to its habitat. 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 were established in the Europe and North America. Eggs were imported into Australia in 1996 whereupon they were bred, but again, failed to become established in the hobby.

Literature
Allen, G. R. and R. Moore (1981) Pseudomugil paludicola, a new species of freshwater blue-eye (Melanotaeniidae) from Papua New Guinea. Revue française d'Aquariologie 7(4): 105-108.

Allen, G.R. (1991) Field guide to the freshwater fishes of New Guinea. Christensen Research Institute, Madang, Papua New Guinea.

Hansen, B. (1995) Kikori kaleidoscope. Fishes of Sahul 9(3): 417-423.

© Copyright Adrian R. Tappin
Updated December, 2008.