Dusky Millions Fish (Phalloceros caudimaculatus)
| Dusky Millions Fish Phalloceros caudimaculatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Dusky Millions Fish |
| Name Lat. | Phalloceros caudimaculatus |
| Synonym | Girardinus caudimaculatus |
| Family | Livebearers |
| Family lat. | Poeciliidae |
| Order | Killifishes & Livebearers |
| Order lat. | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Origin | South America |
| Habitat | Streams, ponds |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 7.0-8.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Easy |
| Reproduction | Livebearer |
| Breeding | Simple |
| Life Span | 3-5 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 3-5 cm |
| Temperature | 20-24 °C |
| Hardness | 9-20 °dH |
| Aquarium | 50 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 1.2"-2" |
| Temperature | 68-75 °F |
| Hardness | 160-356 ppm |
| Aquarium | 15 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution range of the Spotted Caudis extends from southeastern Brazil through Paraguay and Uruguay to northern Argentina. They live mainly in shallow, slow-flowing or stagnant waters with lush underwater vegetation.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have a varied, partly dense planting, with shelters and hiding places (roots) and provide sufficient swimming space. A dark substrate, some shaded light (floating plants) and medium hard, slightly alkaline water is ideal.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In the wild they feed mainly on insect larvae. The food supply consists of live food, such as cyclops, daphnia, artemia and mosquito larvae, which is also accepted without problems in frozen form, plus commercially available frozen food mixtures, supplemented with high-quality dry food (flakes, granules). In addition, they need some vegetable food, such as algae leaves or dry food with high vegetable content (spirulina, kelp).
Regular and varied feeding promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms. Only feed as much as is eaten within a few minutes.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are very peaceful fish, also intraspecies and well suited for a community tank with other calm and peaceful fish. At least 5, but better more animals should be kept together, with the number of females predominating.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Males are smaller and have an anal fin (gonopodium) that has been transformed into a mating organ. The females are larger and appear rounder.
Reproduction and breeding
They are live-bearing fish. Internal fertilization is provided by the male's gonopodium. After 24-28 days up to 50 fry are born. They are already fully developed and independent at birth. After filling their swim bladder at the water surface, they can immediately start feeding.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food. In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the young fish are easy prey.
Important
They range from gray to golden yellow and green metallic shimmer, with varying amounts of black spots.
Soft and too warm water, above 24 °C, is not tolerated well in the long run. Keeping them in an unheated aquarium at room temperature is fine.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. A regular partial water change is recommended, even if the pollutant load has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF