Merry Widow (Phallichthys amates)

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Merry Widow

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Merry Widow

Phallichthys amates

76 Litres (20 US G.)

7.6-8.9cm (3-3.5 ")

sg

Freshwater

pH

6.0 - 8.0

24 -27 °C (75.2-80.6°F)

9-19 °d

1:3 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

1-5 years

Family

Poeciliidae

This animal is available captive bred



Additional names

Merry Widow, Orange Fin Merry Widow

Additional scientific names

Phallitchys amantes, Poecilia amates, Poecilia pittieri, Poeciliopsis isthmensis


Origin

Endemic to Central America: Atlantic drainages, from southern Guatemala to Costa Rica and Panama


Sexing

Males have an oversized gonopodium.


Tank compatibility

A peaceful livebearer. Must be kept in the typical livebearer ratio of at least 2-3 females per male. All male groups can be kept.


Diet

Accepts most foods including pellet and flake as well as live/frozen foods such as bloodworm and brine shrimp.


Feeding regime

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics

Does best in a spacious and well filtered planted set up.


Behaviour

A typical peaceful livebearer.


Identification

There are two subspecies: the Orange Fin Merry Widow (Phallichthys amates amates) and the Spotted Merry Widow (Phallichthys amates pittieri). They can be differentiated that the orange-fin has the dorsal fin edged in orange.

Pictures

External Links