Description

Local Bred Tap water.

Distribution Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. Maximum Size 7.5cm (3").

Temperature 24-27°C

Water Parameters Unfussy, providing extremes are avoided. pH: 6.0-8.0, dH: up to 25 degrees.

Compatibility Community

Lighting No special requirements

Sexual Dimorphism Males with very long and obvious gonopodium. Female fish grow much larger than the males. Feeding Flake, granules, pellets, algae wafers and frozen foods.

The Merry Widow is a delightful live-bearing species for the peaceful community aquarium. It is a fairly deep bodied fish when mature; light grey-green in color with a blue iridescence. The caudal fin and dorsal fin may be yellowish in color with a black arc along the anterior of the dorsal fin, most prominent in male specimens. Male fish also often display several dark bars along the flanks.

The tank should incorporate plenty of shady hiding places amongst dense planting, both rooted and floating varieties. This will help the fish to feel more secure and in turn they will show their best colors. The thick vegetation will also make the aquarium most aesthetically pleasing as well as protecting any fry. Merry Widows are best kept in colonies of 6 or more, with 2 females to every male. This is in order to prevent any single female from bearing the full brunt of the males" continual amorous intentions.