Picotee Livebearer

Picotee Livebearer (Phallichthys fairweatheri)

AKA: Banded Merry Widow

A small and delicate livebearing fish from the lushly vegetated, slowly flowing and marshy areas of rivers in Central America (Mexico to Guatemala and Honduras). Named after Rev Dr Gerald Fairweather, who participated in the 1949 New York Aquarium expedition to British Honduras, this species is part of the Phallichthys genus (from Greek for “penis fish,” referring to the specialized gonopodium of the males). Its small size and peaceful nature make it a wonderful addition to planted or nano aquariums dedicated to rare livebearers.

Key Features

• Maximum Size: Male 3.8 cm / ~1.5 inches SL; Female 4.5 cm / ~1.8 inches SL.
• Appearance: Slender, elongated body typical of small poeciliids. Coloration is generally subtle but can show attractive spotting or iridescence. Males possess a well-developed gonopodium for internal fertilization.
• Fin Details: Typical for the genus, with soft fins suited to slow-moving waters.

Aquarium Care

• Tank Size: Minimum 10–20 gallons for a small group (nano or planted tanks are ideal).
• Water Parameters: Tropical freshwater; 75–82°F (24–28°C), pH 6.5–8.0, moderate hardness. Excellent water quality and gentle flow are recommended. Provide dense vegetation, floating plants, and some fine substrate or leaf litter for a natural feel.
• Diet: Omnivorous — accepts high-quality micro-pellets, flakes, and small live or frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworm). A varied diet supports health and breeding.
• Behavior: Peaceful, active swimmer that does well in groups. Live-bearing; females have a gestation period of about 24 days and produce 10–40 relatively large young. Excellent for planted community tanks with other small, non-aggressive fish. Breeding is possible in the aquarium with good conditions.

IUCN Status Data Deficient (DD)