Dusky millions fish (Phalloceros caudimaculatus)

Scientific name: Phalloceros caudimaculatus Hensel, 1868

The Dusky millions fish (Phalloceros caudimaculatus) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae. In the aquarium it needs water at 20–24°C (68–75°F).

Dusky millions fish care at a glance

Temperature: 20–24°C (68–75°F)

Biology

Dorsal soft rays (total): 7-9. Dorsal fin short; pectoral fin small, not reaching back to level of pelvic fin bases; body and fins covered with a profusion of black patches; tip of gonopodium of male with a distinctly downturned hook (Ref 54372).

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name: Phalloceros caudimaculatus
Family: Poeciliidae (Poeciliids)
Order: Cyprinodontiformes (Live bearers, Killifishes and Rivulines)
Class: Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length: 3.5
Environment: Freshwater; brackish;; pH range: 7.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 19 pelagic; non-migratory
Climate: Tropical
Distribution: South America: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil southward to Uruguay and Argentina. Introduced mainly for mosquito control. At least one country reports adverse ecological impact after introduction.
Conservation status (IUCN): Not Evaluated
Uses: Aquarium: commercial
Resilience: High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)