Phallichthys tico

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Dwarf merry widow
A male (down) and a female (up)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Cyprinodontiformes
Family: Poeciliidae
Genus: Phallichthys
Species:
P. tico
Binomial name
Phallichthys tico
W. A. Bussing
, 1963

Phallichthys tico, the dwarf merry widow, is a

stagnant waters, often among aquatic plants, and feeds mainly on plant matter. It is sometimes kept in aquaria
.

Taxonomy and evolution

Phallichthys tico appears to be the most

Poecilidae family, most of all Poeciliopsis and Carlhubbsia. Its inclusion into Phallichthys necessitated a considerable redefinition of the genus.[2]

The

specific epithet tico honors Costa Rica, the only country from which it was known at the time of its 1963 description by the future University of Costa Rica professor William Bussing.[2]

Description

The body of Phallichthys tico is tan and robust

gonopodium is relatively long but not as much as in related species. Females grow to 35 millimetres (1.4 in).[3] Males are usually much smaller.[4]

Distribution and ecology

Phallichthys tico is known exclusively from

tributaries of the San Juan River.[3]

The species is found over muddy bottoms in stagnant,

turbid waters such as swamps and river backwaters as well as the shorelines of Lakes Nicaragua and Arenal, where it occurs among floating aquatic plants. The temperatures range from 23 to 30 °C (73 to 86 °F).[3] Though usually found in midwater, the fish frequently browse on the bottom in the shallows or swim in groups of 20-30 individuals near the surface next to grassy shores. Easily frightened, they seek cover among plants at any disturbance.[2]

The species' diet consists primarily of

insect larvae are occasionally taken while crustaceans are ignored.[2][3]

Reproduction and husbandry

Further information: Phallichthys § Reproduction, and Phallichthys § Aquarium husbandry

Phallichthys tico is a

gives birth to live young, about 12 at a time, relatively few in comparison to related species.[4]

The species is uncommon in fishkeeping despite its ease of care in the home aquarium.[4] The fish tend to stay hidden among plants at the surface or the bottom and only venture out when undisturbed.[2] They readily accept dry food.[2]

References

  1. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T164691446A164691576.en
    . Retrieved 27 August 2023.
  2. ^
    S2CID 90507679
    .
  3. ^
    ISBN 9977674892
    .
  4. ^ a b c d Hellweg, Mike. "Meet the Merry Widows: The Genus Phallichthys". Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
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