Merry Widow (Phallichthys amates) Care Guide
Phallichthys amates is a hardy, peaceful Central American livebearer reaching about 6 cm, found in still waters from Guatemala to Panama.
Overview
Phallichthys amates, the Merry Widow, is a small livebearing fish of the family Poeciliidae described by Miller in 1907. It is native to the Atlantic drainages of Central America. The fish has a deep, almost rhomboid grey body with bluish tones and a dark stripe running through the eye to the throat; males bear a notably long gonopodium.
Taxonomy
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Genus: Phallichthys
- Scientific name: Phallichthys amates
- Author: Miller, 1907
Habitat
The species occurs in Atlantic-slope drainages from southern Guatemala through Honduras, Nicaragua and Costa Rica to western Panama. It favours stagnant waters, swamps, creeks and river shorelines over soft bottoms of mud and leaf litter.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7.0-8.5
- GH: 10-25 °dGH
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
- Water flow: low; soft substrate with plants
Diet
In the wild Phallichthys amates feeds on detritus, ooze and diatoms, with occasional filamentous algae and aquatic insects. As an omnivore in the aquarium it accepts a varied diet including plant matter and small invertebrate foods.
Compatibility
The species is hardy, peaceful and outgoing, swimming mostly in the mid-water column. It suits community aquaria with other peaceful livebearers such as platies and Limia, and aggressive species should be avoided.
Breeding
As a livebearer the female gives birth to 10-80 live fry after roughly four weeks (about 28 days) of gestation. Breeding occurs readily in well-planted aquaria and is suitable for beginners.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2019).