Dusky millions fish
📖 Overview
Dusky millions fish (Phalloceros caudimaculatus), first described by Hensel, 1868 is a tiny fish in the family Poeciliidae (order Cyprinodontiformes). Adults typically reach 3.50 cm in maximum length. It inhabits freshwater systems including rivers, streams, and lakes. It occurs in Tropical waters. It is broadly omnivorous, taking invertebrates, plant matter, and detritus. On the IUCN Red List, it is classified as Least Concern.The species is important as a food fish, kept in the aquarium hobby, and considered a sustainable seafood option under current management. As a member of the Poeciliidae, it shares life-history and morphological traits with its relatives in the group.
🔬 Taxonomy
🐟 Physical Description
Dorsal soft rays (total): 7 - 9. Dorsal fin short; pectoral fin small, not reaching back to level of pelvic fin bases; body and fins covered with a profusion of black patches; tip of gonopodium of male with a distinctly downturned hook (Ref 54372).
🌀 Behaviour
Behavioural data for Dusky millions fish is currently being reviewed.
🦐 Diet
🥚 Reproduction
After about 24 days gestation, 10 to 50 young are born.
🌍 Habitat & Distribution
Freshwater; brackish; pelagic; pH range: 7.0 - 8.0; dH range: 9 - 19; non-migratory. Tropical; 20°C - 24°C South America: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil southward to Uruguay and Argentina (Ref.
🌿 Ecology
📐 Morphometrics
🌡️ Water Parameters & Tolerance
🛡️ Conservation Assessment
📊 Population Risk & Fisheries
🍽️ Edibility & Flavour
"Dusky millions fish is an edible species."
- Clear, bright eyes — cloudy eyes indicate age
- Firm flesh that springs back when pressed
- Fresh ocean smell, never strong or ammonia-like
- Bright red or pink gills, not grey or brown
- Shiny, moist skin with scales tightly attached
- Cloudy or sunken eyes
- Strong fishy or ammonia odour
- Soft, mushy flesh that doesn't spring back
- Discoloured or dry flesh
⚡ Nutrition
Detailed nutritional data for Dusky millions fish is currently being compiled from USDA FoodData Central.
🔬 Mercury Safety
Mercury data for Dusky millions fish has not yet been assigned. Please consult FDA/EPA guidance for general seafood safety advice.
🌿 Sustainability
🔬 Full Nutritional Profile
Per 100g - Raw, per 100g - Source: USDA FoodData Central templates (generic fish average)
📊 Population Dynamics
| Year | Region | Index | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - |
🌐 Names & Taxonomy
| Language | Common Names |
|---|---|
| 🇬🇧English | Caudo · One-spot Livebearer · Speckled Mosquitofish · Spottail Mosquitofish · dusky millions fish · spotted livebearer |
| 🌍AFR | Kolstert-muskietvis |
| 🌍CES | říčanka jednoskvrnná |
| 🇩🇰Danish | Kaudi |
| 🇩🇪German | Fleckenloser Kaudi · Gefleckter Kaudi · Vielfleckkärpfling |
| 🌍EST | Harilik kaudi |
| 🇫🇮Finnish | Pilkkukala |
| 🌍GRN | Pikí |
| 🇵🇱Polish | Zyworodka jednoplamka |
| 🇵🇹Portuguese | Barrigudinho · Barrigudinho-de-cauda-pintada · Guaru · Guarú-guarú |
| 🇷🇺Russian | Уругвайский фалоцер |
| 🇪🇸Spanish | Madrecita · Madrecita de una mancha |
Scientific Synonyms
| Scientific Name | Author | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Girardinus caudimaculatus | Hensel | 1868 | Synonym |
| Phalloceros caudimaculatus caudimaculatus | - | - | Synonym |
| Phalloceros caudimaculatus reticulata | Stoye | 1935 | Synonym |
| Phalloceros caudomaculatus | Hensel | 1868 | Synonym |
🦠 Common Diseases
The following diseases are known to affect Dusky millions fish.
🔍 Similar Species
🗺️ Global Occurrence Map
Occurrence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) - 15 records indexed .
👥 Community & Contribute
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