Merry Widow Livebearer - Phallichthys amates : Complete Fish Profile & Care Guide
Table of contents
Introduction
The Merry Widow (Phallichthys amates) is a beautiful and somewhat rare addition to the aquarium hobby. Possessing a peaceful temperament and vibrant personality, these lively fish make an excellent choice for a community aquarium. Their remarkable hardiness and endearing behaviours also make them an ideal option for beginners venturing into the aquarist world. Merry Widows are known for their keen awareness of their surroundings, often recognizing their owner and eagerly seeking out food. However, they may appear indifferent to others who approach the tank.
When selecting tankmates for the Merry Widow, consider companions such as Corydoras Catfish, Plecos, Livebearers, and smaller Central American Cichlids. Additionally, Barbs, Rainbowfish, Tetras, and Gouramis can create a harmonious tank environment. It is important to note that if housed with most of these species, the survival of Merry Widow fry is unlikely, as other tank inhabitants may consume them.
To provide an optimal living space for Merry Widows, keeping them in groups of six or more individuals is recommended, ensuring a ratio of two females to every male to minimize male aggression towards a single female. Creating an aquarium setup that incorporates ample hiding places among thick vegetation, both rooted and floating, will not only enhance the fish's sense of security but also showcase their vibrant colours, making the tank visually appealing while providing protection for any potential fry.
A spacious aquarium is necessary to accommodate the dynamic nature of Merry Widows, and efficient filtration is essential to maintain water quality. These fish possess a distinct appearance, with a greyish-silver body adorned with a captivating bluish sheen. Dark vertical bars, numbering between six to eight, accentuate their body, while their dorsal fin showcases two parallel arcs, both marked with a dark hue, though the inner arc is slightly lighter. An intriguing short black line runs from the eye to the throat, and their gill covers shimmer with an iridescent bluish-green hue.
Merry Widow Livebearer Photos
Sexual Dimorphism
Distinguishing between male and female Merry Widows is a relatively straightforward task. The females, characterized by their larger size, exhibit slightly subdued colouration compared to the males. Conversely, the males possess a prominent feature known as a gonopodium, a specialized reproductive structure extending towards the tail's base. Additionally, males typically display a more slender body shape when compared to their female counterparts.
Quick Facts
| Scientific Name | Phallichthys amates |
|---|---|
| Year Described | 1907 |
| Other Names | Merry Widow |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Classification | Actinopterygii |
| Order | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family | Poeciliidae |
| Genus | Phallichthys |
| Origins | Panama , Honduras , Costa Rica , Nicaragua , Guatemala |
| Max Size | 7 cm |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Aquarium Level | All Levels |
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Shoaling | No |
| Best kept as | Groups 6+ |
| Diet & Feeding | Omnivore |
| Reproduction | Livebearer |
| Average Lifespan | Up to 3 Years |
Water Parameters
| Water Type | Freshwater |
|---|---|
| pH | 6.0 - 8.0 |
| GH | 5 - 20 |
| KH | 2 - 6 |
| TDS | 60 - 150 |
| ℉ | 75 - 80 |
|---|---|
| ℃ | 23 - 26 |
Natural Habitat
The Merry Widow is indigenous to various waterways in Central America, including the Rio Montagua in Guatemala, the Rio Reventazon in Costa Rica, and the Rio Chagres in Panama. Additionally, populations of this species can be found in Honduras and Nicaragua. Merry Widows are well adapted to thriving in slow-flowing aquatic environments, such as creeks, streams, backwaters, and stagnant areas. These habitats typically feature muddy substrates and a diverse array of aquatic vegetation, providing the Merry Widows with the necessary conditions for their natural behaviours and ecological interactions.
Breeding
Breeding Merry Widows is a straightforward and rewarding process, as these fish are known for their prolific nature. The gestation period for the females typically lasts around 28 days, with variations influenced by water temperature. During this period, a female Merry Widow can give birth to a range of 10 to 80 fry, depending on her age and overall health.
To optimize the survival rate of the fry, it is advisable to maintain a heavily planted aquarium. The abundance of plants provides natural hiding spots and refuge, increasing the chances of fry survival. However, if a heavily planted environment is not feasible, utilizing a breeding box or nursery tank specifically designed for fry development can offer a suitable alternative.
The newborn fry is remarkably self-sufficient and capable of consuming crushed flake food, baby brine shrimp, and microworms almost immediately after birth. As they continue to grow, their dietary requirements align more closely with that of adult Merry Widows, allowing for a seamless transition to the same food provided to the adult fish.
Diet & Feeding
In their natural habitat, Merry Widows demonstrate a dietary preference for algae and microfauna thriving on various surfaces within streams, complemented by the occasional consumption of crustaceans and insects. In a well-maintained aquarium setting, these fish exhibit versatility in their feeding habits, readily accepting a diverse range of nutrition sources. High-quality dried foods such as flakes and pellets form a substantial portion of their diet, including live, frozen, and freeze-dried offerings. It is worth noting that Merry Widows may also engage in surface nibbling activities, likely foraging on biofilm present on aquarium surfaces between regular meals. This adaptable feeding behaviour contributes to the overall health and vitality of these fish in captivity.
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