Easy
Otocinclus
Otocinclus vittatus
Red Neon Blue-eye
Pseudomugil luminatus
Reviewed for accuracy · Last updated Dec 26, 2025, 7:20 PM
Active nano fish with distinctive fin displays among males; peaceful and ideal for planted aquariums.
Key Information
Water Type
Freshwater
Temperament
Moderate
Care Level
Easy
Minimum Tank Size
11 gal (40 L)
Maximum Size
1 in (3.5 cm)
Lifespan
2–3 years
Diet
Insectivore
Migration
Resident
A Great Pick for This Setup
Red Neon Blue-eye Behavior and Compatibility
This species is best kept with other very peaceful nano fish.\nIdeal companions include small tetras, rasboras, and other Pseudomugil species.\nTank mates should be similar in size and temperament.\n\nAvoid aggressive or much larger fish that may intimidate or prey on them.\nFin-nippers can disrupt male displays and cause chronic stress.\nA calm community promotes natural schooling behavior.\n\nKeeping them in groups of six or more spreads social pressure.\nMales display to each other without serious harm when space is adequate.\nA well-planned community tank highlights their active, social nature.
Best Tank Mates for Red Neon Blue-eye
Red Neon Blue-eye Tank Setup and Care
They thrive in planted aquariums with open swimming space. Moderate lighting enhances their coloration. Provide floating plants for comfort. A tight lid is essential due to jumping.
Groups of eight or more improve behavior. They display best colors in mixed-gender groups. Stable temperature prevents stress. Regular maintenance is recommended.
Use gentle filtration. Avoid strong water movement. Aquarium decor should provide shelter. Hardscape helps define territories.
Maintain stable water parameters. Avoid sudden changes. Clean water supports their activity. Consistent routines benefit health.
Curiosities About the Red Neon Blue-eye
A Newcomer to Science
The Red Neon Blue-eye was officially described in 2015, highlighting how remote freshwater habitats can still reveal unknown fish species.
Color Rivalry Within the Blue-eyes
Male Red Neon Blue-eye display more intense red pigmentation when kept alongside related species like the Forktail Blue-eye, suggesting visual competition influences coloration.
Red Neon Blue-eye Diet and Feeding
In the wild, Red Neon Blue-eyes feed primarily on tiny insects and zooplankton. Their upturned mouths are adapted for picking prey from the water column. A varied diet closely matching this improves health and coloration.
Offer high-quality micro pellets and finely crushed flakes as daily staples. Supplement regularly with live or frozen foods like daphnia and baby brine shrimp. These protein-rich options enhance breeding condition and activity.
Feed small portions multiple times per day rather than one large meal. Uneaten food should not be allowed to accumulate and foul the water. Consistent, balanced feeding supports steady growth and immune strength.
More Interesting Facts About the Red Neon Blue-eye
Peaceful Community Bonds
In mixed aquariums, the Red Neon Blue-eye often schools comfortably with the Gertrude’s Blue-eye, showing strong interspecies tolerance within the Pseudomugil genus.
Extremely Limited Wild Range
The Red Neon Blue-eye is native to a very small region of southern New Guinea, making its populations especially vulnerable to habitat disturbance.
Red Neon Blue-eye Breeding and Reproduction
Breeding Red Neon Blue-eyes is achievable in a dedicated or well-managed community tank. Males intensify coloration and perform displays to attract females. Spawning usually occurs among fine-leaved plants or spawning mops.
Eggs are laid singly over several days rather than all at once.\nRemoving adults or eggs improves fry survival, as adults may eat them. Eggs typically hatch within one to two weeks.
Fry are extremely small and require infusoria or liquid fry food initially. Gradually introduce microworms and baby brine shrimp as they grow. Clean water and gentle filtration are critical during early development.
Red Neon Blue-eye Water Parameters
73–82 °F (23–28 °C)
6.0–7.5
5–12 dGH
1.000–1.005 SG
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Frequent Questions About Red Neon Blue-eye
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What is the ideal tank size for keeping Red Neon Blue-eye?
The ideal tank size for a group of Red Neon Blue-eye is at least 20 liters (5 gallons) for small groups. Larger tanks of 40 liters (10 gallons) or more are recommended for bigger schools to provide sufficient swimming space and maintain stable water parameters.
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What are the optimal water conditions for Red Neon Blue-eye?
Red Neon Blue-eye thrive in soft to moderately hard water with a GH of 4–12 dGH and KH of 1–5 dKH. The ideal pH range is 6.0–7.5, with a temperature range of 22–28°C (72–82°F). These fish prefer clear, well-oxygenated water with low salinity.
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What should be included in the diet of Red Neon Blue-eye?
Red Neon Blue-eye are omnivorous and require a varied diet. High-quality micro-pellets, small frozen foods such as daphnia or brine shrimp, and finely crushed flakes are suitable. Feeding multiple times a day in small amounts ensures proper nutrition and health.
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How does Red Neon Blue-eye behave in a community tank?
Red Neon Blue-eye are peaceful schooling fish that do well in groups of at least 6 individuals. They are compatible with other small, non-aggressive species such as Neon Tetra and Celestial Pearl Danio. Avoid housing with large or aggressive fish.
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What are the recommended schooling practices for Red Neon Blue-eye?
Keeping Red Neon Blue-eye in a school of at least 6–8 individuals helps reduce stress and encourages natural swimming behavior. Larger schools of 10–12 fish are ideal for displaying vibrant coloration and active social interaction.
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How can Red Neon Blue-eye be differentiated from similar species like Pacific Blue-eye?
Red Neon Blue-eye can be distinguished by their intense red coloration along the body and brighter blue eyes. In comparison, Pacific Blue-eye have a more subdued body color and less pronounced red hues. Correct identification is crucial for proper care and breeding.
