Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Merry Widow Livebearer
Phallichthys amates
Also called Merry widow
From Central America: Atlantic-side drainages from Guatemala (Motagua River) through Honduras to Costa Rica and western Panama.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Deep-bodied scaled livebearer
A robust, deep, almost diamond-shaped body that is grey with bluish highlights. The dorsal fin is held upright, and males carry a very long gonopodium that reaches back to the tail.12
Personality what they are like
A hardy, peaceful and outgoing fish that usually holds its dorsal fin proudly raised.2
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate; lives near the bottom over soft ground in quiet water.1
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Easy to keep; regular water changes and a diet with plant content suit it well.21
Home where they are happiest
Water about 24-27 °C (tolerates 20-37 °C), pH 6.0-8.0, moderately hard (9-19 dH). Wild fish live in still water, creeks and river edges over mud or leaf litter, so a soft substrate is a good match.1
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Grazes on detritus, diatoms and fine organic material, with some algae and aquatic insects. In aquaria offer a mix of plant-based and small meaty foods.12
Company who they like around
A peaceful community fish; keep with other calm species of similar size.2
The story where it all began
The species was described in 1907 and was once split into three species before being treated as one. The name 'merry widow' came from aquarist Frederick H. Stoye, who linked the fish's lively ways and black-edged dorsal fin to the operetta of that name.2
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2019)1
- Taxonomy
- Family Poeciliidae; described in 1907; two subspecies recognised (amates and pittieri)2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Merry Widow Livebearer. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Merry Widow Livebearer?
Feed small amounts once or twice a day, as Furry Diary's starting plan suggests. This gentle routine suits its easy-going nature and keeps the water clean. Furry Diary plan
What does a Merry Widow Livebearer eat, and what should it never eat?
It grazes on detritus, diatoms, algae and small insects, so offer a mix of plant-based and small meaty foods. Avoid giving anything large or hard that it cannot manage, and check with your vet for specific concerns.21
How much space does a Merry Widow Livebearer need?
Space needs vary with tank size and companions, so ask a good breeder or exotic-pet vet for your setup. It is a peaceful fish that lives near the bottom, so a soft substrate and calm water help it feel at home.1
What temperature, light or water does a Merry Widow Livebearer need?
Keep water about 24-27 °C, pH 6.0-8.0, and moderately hard at 9-19 dH, though it tolerates 20-37 °C. Soft ground like mud or leaf litter suits it, and regular checks keep conditions stable.1
How often should I clean a Merry Widow Livebearer's home?
Furry Diary's plan suggests a weekly 25% water change, plus weekly glass cleaning and water tests. Rinse the filter monthly in old tank water, never tap water, to keep your fish healthy. Furry Diary plan
Can a Merry Widow Livebearer live with others?
Yes, it is a peaceful community fish, so keep it with other calm species of similar size. This outgoing fish usually holds its dorsal fin proudly and enjoys company.2
How long does a Merry Widow Livebearer live?
Lifespan varies with care and environment, so ask your vet or breeder for a typical range. With regular water changes and a good diet, it can thrive for a good while.
Can I handle a Merry Widow Livebearer?
Handling is not recommended for fish, as it can stress them and harm their delicate scales. Instead, enjoy watching it swim near the bottom, and use a net only when necessary.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FishBase: Phallichthys amates fishbase.seused for origin, size, environment, diet, IUCN
- Wikipedia: Phallichthys amates en.wikipedia.orgused for names, colour, behaviour, history, facts
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.