Honey Blue-eye (Pseudomugil mellis) Care Guide
Pseudomugil mellis is a small honey-coloured blue-eye from acidic, tannin-stained wallum swamps of southeastern Queensland, assessed as Endangered.
Overview
Pseudomugil mellis, the honey blue-eye, is a small fish of the family Pseudomugilidae, described in 1982 by Allen and Ivantsoff. Wikipedia reports a largest recorded male of 3.8 cm, with typical adults of 2.5-3 cm. It is a pale honey-coloured fish with blue eyes and cheeks; males show black submarginal bands with white margins on the dorsal, anal and caudal fins, while females have clear fins.
Taxonomy
- Family: Pseudomugilidae
- Genus: Pseudomugil
- Scientific name: Pseudomugil mellis
Habitat
Found in two disjunct wallum heathland areas of southeastern Queensland, from a swamp near Rockhampton and from lakes and streams between Tin Can Bay and Tibrogargan Creek north of Brisbane. It inhabits slow-moving, mildly acidic water (pH 4.4-6.8) that is either clear or stained with tannin.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L
- Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F)
- pH: 5.5-7.0
- GH: 2-10 °dGH
- School size: 8 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 2-3 years
Diet
Wikipedia reports that algae form the bulk of the diet, with insects and other aquatic invertebrates making up the remainder; the species generally forages at the water surface. In aquaria it accepts small dry foods and fine frozen or live items.
Compatibility
A peaceful, top-dwelling species that forms schools of roughly 25-70 individuals in the wild. Keep in groups of eight or more, ideally with other small, calm blue-eyes; avoid boisterous tankmates.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (assessed 2019), reflecting habitat loss in its restricted wallum range.