[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Livebeavers – One-spot Livebearer (Phalloceros caudimaculatus)

Owing to its great variability, with some specimens bearing one body spot, others none at all, and yet others being golden and/or mottled (reticulated), this species has a wide range of common and scientific names. Modern-day thinking is that all are representatives of a highly variable single species, P. caudimaculatus.

Other common names

• Golden One-spot/Spotted/ Golden Spotted Livebearer, The Caudo

Synonyms

• Phalloceros caudimaculatus auratus and P. c. a. reticulatus

Family

• Poeciliidae

Subfamily

• Poeciliinae

Distribution

• Southern Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay; introduced into some locations outside its range, e.g. Malawi and western Australia.

Size

• Males around 1 1/4in (3cm); females up to 2in (5cm).

Behavior

• Peaceful shoaler.

Diet

• Range of foods accepted; vegetable component required.

Aquarium

• Tank should be well planted and well lit. Water chemistry not critical, but alkaline, medium-hard conditions are preferred. Temperature range: 64-82°F (18-28°C).

Breeding

• Up to 80 fry may be produced every 5-6 weeks.