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Pacific Blue Eye
Pseudomugil signifer Kner, 1865
A malformed Pacific Blue Eye from Gin Gin Creek, Queensland. (AMS I.40336-001). View larger image. View information on spinal deformities
The Pacific Blue Eye has a semi-transparent body that can vary in colour from pale olive, yellow to bluish. As the common name suggests, the iris of the Pacific Blue Eye is blue. The operculum and belly region are silvery. There is often a series of pearly spots along the side of the body.
The fins of males and females are different shapes. The dorsal, anal and pelvic fins of males are extended into filaments. The fins can also differ in colouration, particularly during breeding when the fins of the male can become brilliantly coloured.
Males grow to 88 mm in length and females grow to 63 mm. They feed on mosquito larvae and other insects.
The Pacific Blue Eye lives in clear, fast flowing streams and also in mangrove regions of estuaries.
It is an Australian native species that occurs in coastal streams along the eastern coast of Australia from northern Queensland to southern New South Wales.
Further reading
- Allen, G.R. 1989. Freshwater Fishes of Australia. T.F.H. Publications. Pp. 240.
- Ivantsoff, W & L.E.L.M. Crowley in McDowall, R.M. 1996. Freshwater Fishes of South-Eastern Australia. Reed Books. Pp. 247.
- Merrick, J.R. & G.E. Schmida. 1984. Australian Freshwater Fishes. Biology and Management. John R. Merrick. Pp. 409.
