Merry Widow Livebearer

Phallichthys amates

Merry Widow Livebearer is a peaceful all-zone swimmer.

PeacefulAll-zone swimmerBeginner

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Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm)
Aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 15.7" (≥ 40 cm) minimum length
Care level: Beginner
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: All-zone swimmer
Temperature: 73–79°F (23–26°C)
pH: 6–8
GH: 5–20 dGH
KH: 2–6 dKH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 3 years

Care requirements

Care level: Beginner.

Lifespan: up to 3 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 15.7" (≥ 40 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–26 °C, pH 6–8, GH 5–20 dGH, KH 2–6 dKH.

Temperament and compatibility

Merry Widow Livebearer is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses multiple areas of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Merry Widow Livebearer should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 15.7" (≥ 40 cm) minimum length.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Black-Bellied Limia Limia melanogaster Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2" (≤ 5 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Blackline Tail Tetra Moenkhausia costae Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Blacktop Corydoras Corydoras acutus Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–82°F (22–28°C) Blue Panchax Aplocheilus panchax Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 68–79°F (20–26°C) African Spottail Tetra Brachypetersius altus Similar care level Same temperament Same swimming zone Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.6" (≤ 6.5 cm) 75–79°F (24–26°C) Araguaia Corydoras Hoplisoma araguaiaense Similar care level Same temperament Bottom dweller Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.4" (≤ 6 cm) 73–79°F (23–26°C)

FAQ

How large does Merry Widow Livebearer get?

Merry Widow Livebearer reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm).

What aquarium size does Merry Widow Livebearer need?

Use an aquarium of at least 16 US gal (60 L) or larger / ≥ 15.7" (≥ 40 cm) minimum length.

Is Merry Widow Livebearer peaceful?

Yes. Merry Widow Livebearer is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.

What temperature is suitable for Merry Widow Livebearer?

Keep it between 23 to 26 °C.