Merry Widow (Phallichthys amates)
Fish in the family Poeciliidae. Easy care. Freshwater.
Quick facts
Scientific namePhallichthys amates
FamilyPoeciliidae
Also known asMerry Widow Livebearer
Care levelEasy
Reef safetyFreshwater
TemperamentPeaceful
DietOmnivore
Adult size2.8 in
Minimum tank size15 gallons
Water parametersTemp 72-82°F, pH 7.0-8.0, GH 10-25 dGH
Appearance
Modest grey-bodied livebearer with faint vertical bars, a dark-edged dorsal and an eye-stripe. Males famous for their exceptionally long gonopodium.
Difficulty and care for the Merry Widow
Easy
Origin and habitat
Central America (Guatemala to Panama)
Keeper notes
Peaceful and shy; males have a notably long gonopodium. Best kept with gentle tankmates.
Log Merry Widow in your reef tank
Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Merry Widow alongside everything else in your reef.
