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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

Temperament
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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