Phallichthys tico
 

84°F
Explanation of the symbols

75°F

Family : Poeciliidae
Origin : Costa Rica
Length : 4 cm - 1.5"
Min. length aquarium : 60 cm - 25"
English name : Dwarf Merry Widow
Peaceful, elegant fish that you can keep in a community aquarium.  They are rarely for sale.  The aquarium should be planted densely on the sides and background with fine leaved plants.  In the middle you should leave a large swimming area.  A cover of floating plants is recommended.  Clear water is appreciated. 

You should give them small live food such as baby brine shrimp and small mosquito larvae.  A part of the menu should be vegetable such as algae.  Dry food is accepted as well.

Breeding is not easy because the young fishes are very sensitive for parasites.  They are viviparous and after a gestation period of 4 weeks 10-25 young fishes are born.  Generally the parents don't eat their young.  They can be raised with baby brine shrimp and fine crushed dry food.

Photo Credit

Bjärne Saetrang

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