Edit Phalloceros caudimaculatus
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Name
Scientific name
Phalloceros caudimaculatus
Described by
Authority Hensel, Year 1868, Bracketed
Family
Poeciliidae
Common names
Dusky Millions Fish
Photograph credits
All 9 credited
Summary
The dusky millions fish, Phalloceros caudimaculatus, is a small livebearer native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. Feral populat…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
70mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Not recorded
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 16–22°C, pH 7–8
Hardness
5–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
A shoal or group
Community suitability
Community-safe
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Malawi, New Zealand, Paraguay, Uruguay, Caí, das Pacas, de la Plata, Fiuza, Grande do Sul, Ibicuí, Iguassu, Jaguarão, Laguna dos Patos, Macacu, Mampituba, Maquiné, Negro (Uruguay), Panela, Paraiba, Paraizinho, Silva, Tacuarembó, Tramandaí, Três Pinheiros, Vacacaí
Writing
Etymology
Phalloceros: from the Ancient Greek ϕαλλός (phallos), meaning 'penis', and κέρας (kéras) meaning 'horn'. caudimaculatus: from the Latin cauda, meaning 'tail', …
Distribution
Occurs naturally in Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina with feral populations in Australia, New Zealand, Ethiopia and Malawi which were purportedly introd…
Habitat
Inhabits sluggish rivers and streams as well as ponds, often with dense vegetation. Some populations are found in slightly brackish water.
Aquarium size
A trio of these can be kept in a 50 litre tank.
Maintenance
A gently filtered, heavily planted set-up suits it best, and it seems to be sensitive to fresh water. Consequently, water changes should be small but frequent.
Water conditions
Temperature: 16 – 22 °C, is best in an aquarium, though it will survive for short periods in temperatures down to 10°C and up to 30°C. Lower temperatures are h…
Diet
Unfussy and omnivorous, it will accept most foods offered. In the wild it grazes algae and eats small insects, insect larvae and crustaceans. Frozen and dry fo…
Behaviour and compatibility
Should ideally be maintained in a species tank.
Sexual dimorphism
Males are much smaller than females and possess a prominent gonopodium.
Reproduction
Being a livebearer, it is quite easy to breed. If the parents are well fed and there are densely planted areas in the tank, the fry should be safe with the adu…
Notes
This species is highly variable in terms of colour pattern. Three ornamental forms are well known in the aquarium hobby and have been given unofficial 'scienti…
References
References
5 on this profile