Scientific name: Pseudomugil ivantsoffi
Origin : Pseudomugil ivantsoffi have been found in the tributaries of the Ajkwa, Iwaka, Wataikwa and Kopi Rivers in the Timika-Tembagapura region of West Papua. When first collected in 1995 this species was common in several creeks. The habitat consisted of small (1-2 m wide), shallow, slow-flowing streams in dense rainforest. The water was generally clear, but some were tannin-stained, with sparse aquatic vegetation. Bottom conditions included sand, gravel, cobble, and rocks. Water temperature and pH values ranged from 24-28°C and pH 6.7-7.8 respectively. Other fishes collected from these habitats include Pseudomugil pellucidus, Pseudomugil novaeguineae, Melanotaenia goldiei, Melanotaenia rubrostriata, and Melanotaenia ogilbyi.
The same species and habitat conditions were encountered in January 1997, but by the following year, after a prolonged El Niño related drought, the two species of Pseudomugil, as well as Melanotaenia ogilbyi, could not be found in any of the former areas. The Kuala Kencana housing development and recent forest destruction near the Kopi River sites may well have caused the local extinction of these species. However, they no doubt will continue to survive in primary forest to the immediate east and west of the Timika region.
The Timika region includes the following rivers: Kamora River (Kamora, Tuaba, Wataikwa, Iwaka) Wania River, Tipuka River, Ajkwa River, Minajerwi River (Minajerwi, Kopi, Aimua) Mawati River, Otokwa River, Mamoa River (Mamoa, Seruka) Atuka River (Atuka, Wapuka) [The Atuka River meanders north to its junction with the Kamora River, very close to the village of Mioko.]
The dark colouration in 'blackwater' streams is due to the presence of organic substances. This black or tea colouration is quite common in the area, due to extensive heath forest. These streams start in the heath and are shorter and narrower than the rivers which begin in the mountains and have enough volume from rainfall to dissolve the colouration. The blackwater streams all drain into the rivers.
Difficulty in keeping: Easy
Maximum size: 3-4cm Males 3-4 cm Females
Selling size: 2 cm and above
Temperature: 18-26 °C
pH: 6-7.8 Our fish are bred and grown at a ph between 6.0 and 7.5
Diet: Likely to feed on floating or suspended zooplankton, phytoplankton, and invertebrates in nature, and in the aquarium must be offered items of a suitable size.
Ideally much of the diet should comprise live foods such as Daphnia, Moina, Artemia nauplii, micro worm, etc., although small/crushed floating dried foods are also accepted.
Disclaimer: Photos are taken of our own fish and usually the breeding parents, photos are for reference only and actual fish you will receive might slightly vary. We sometimes use photos taken by friends or other hobbyists.