Paskai Rainbow (.75-1”)

Scientific Name

• Pseudomugil paskai 
  

Maximum Size & Lifespan

• Maximum size: around 3 cm (1–1.2 inches).

• Lifespan: typically 4–5 years in good aquarium conditions.

Natural Environment

Paskai Rainbowfish come from the Bird’s Head Peninsula of West Papua, Indonesia, particularly the Ayamaru Lakes region and small streams around Kiunga. They are found in slow-moving, clear streams, creeks, and lagoons, often shaded by rainforest canopy. Their habitat includes dense aquatic plants, leaf litter, and calm waters.

Aquarium Size & Setup

• Tank size: A 10-gallon (38 L) tank is the minimum, but a 15–20 gallon or larger tank is recommended for groups.

• Aquascaping: Best in densely planted aquariums with fine substrate, driftwood, and floating plants to diffuse light. They enjoy open swimming space in the mid-to-upper levels.

• Filtration: Gentle filtration such as a sponge filter; avoid strong currents.

• Lighting: Moderate, with shaded areas created by floating plants.

• Schooling: Keep in groups of at least 6–8, ideally 10 or more, to reduce stress and show natural behavior.

Water Parameters & Care

• Temperature: 22–27 °C (72–80 °F)

• pH: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

• Water changes: Around 20–25% weekly to maintain water quality

Diet

• Omnivorous with small mouths.

• Staple diet: High-quality micro pellets or crushed flakes.

• Supplement: Live or frozen foods such as baby brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, or bloodworms.

• Vegetable matter: Occasional spirulina or algae-based foods.

• Feeding frequency: 1–2 small meals per day; feed only what they consume in a few minutes.

Tankmates

• Peaceful, best with other small and non-aggressive species such as chili rasboras, ember tetras, small corydoras, and dwarf shrimp.

• Avoid large, aggressive, or fin-nipping fish, as these rainbowfish are timid and can be outcompeted for food.

• Do best in a peaceful community or even a species-only tank.

Behavior

• Active schooling fish that occupy the mid to upper water column.

• Males are more colorful and will display and spar for females, but this behavior is not harmful.

• They are shy and thrive in groups, which encourages boldness and better coloration.

Breeding

• Spawning type: Egg scatterer. They lay small eggs on fine plants, moss, or spawning mops.

• Breeding tank: Small tank (5–10 gallons) with soft, slightly acidic water and a sponge filter.

• Eggs: Hatch in about 7–10 days depending on temperature.

• Fry care: Start with infusoria or liquid fry food, then transition to newly hatched brine shrimp or finely powdered flakes.

• Note: Adults will eat eggs, so it is best to either remove eggs or transfer adults after spawning.

Overview

The Paskai Rainbowfish is a tiny, vividly colored schooling species ideal for planted nano aquariums. Their natural habitat is calm, clear, plant-rich waters of Papua. In captivity, they thrive in small groups with clean, stable water, live or frozen food supplements, and peaceful tankmates. They are relatively easy to breed, and with proper care, they can live up to five years.