{"product_id":"fresh-water-fish-for-sale-uk-merry-widow-phallichthys-amates-6040","title":"Merry Widow (Phallichthys amates) — \u003e 2,5cm","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMerry Widow\u003c\/strong\u003e (\u003cem\u003ePhallichthys amates\u003c\/em\u003e), also known as the Merry Widow Livebearer, is a hardy, peaceful Central American livebearer with attractive markings and easy breeding habits, ideal for community aquariums. Native to Central America, from Guatemala to Panama, this species is prized for its manageable size, peaceful nature, and adaptability. Now available \u003cstrong\u003efor sale UK\u003c\/strong\u003e from Tropical Fish Co, this charming livebearer is ideal for the community aquarium enthusiast seeking an easy-to-keep, attractive species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Merry Widow typically reaches around 5.5 cm in total length, making it a small to medium-sized livebearer. The body is robust and deep-bodied, with a pale silver or gold base color marked with dark markings along the flanks and a distinctive dark edge on the dorsal fin. A dark stripe runs through the eye, giving the species a subtle but attractive appearance. Females are generally larger and more robust. Healthy specimens have bright, clear eyes and smooth, undamaged scales.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn the wild, \u003cem\u003ePhallichthys amates\u003c\/em\u003e is native to Central America, from Guatemala to Panama, where it inhabits slow-moving streams, rivers, ponds, and marshes with dense aquatic vegetation. These waters are typically moderately hard, warm, and slightly alkaline. The substrate is composed of fine mud or sand, and the fish spend much of their time among plants and cover, feeding on small invertebrates, algae, and organic detritus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eAquarium Setup\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA well-planted aquarium of at least 60 litres is recommended for a small group of Merry Widows. Use a fine gravel or sand substrate and incorporate plenty of live plants such as \u003cem\u003eVallisneria\u003c\/em\u003e, Java fern, \u003cem\u003eCryptocoryne\u003c\/em\u003e species, and floating plants to provide cover and hiding places. Ensure good filtration and moderate water movement. A secure lid is advisable, as livebearers can jump when startled. Maintain stable, warm water with slightly alkaline pH.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"info-box\"\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22-28°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.0-8.2\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Moderately hard to hard water preferred\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFiltration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Good flow, regular partial water changes essential\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Merry Widow is an omnivore and thrives on a varied diet. Offer quality flake or micro-pellets as a staple, supplemented with algae-based foods, blanched vegetables, and occasional small frozen or live foods such as daphnia and brine shrimp. Feed twice daily in small amounts to maintain excellent water quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBehaviour\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis livebearer is peaceful, active, and social, constantly on the move and best kept in a small group. Males will court females continuously, but serious aggression is rare. When kept in proper numbers, the Merry Widow is confident and displays natural behavior. They occupy all levels of the aquarium and are most active during the day.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"tip-box\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTop Tip:\u003c\/strong\u003e Best kept in stable, well-filtered water with some plant cover and regular partial water changes. Like many livebearers, it benefits from harder, slightly alkaline water.\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Merry Widow is suitable for a peaceful community aquarium with other small fish. Good tankmates include other peaceful livebearers, small peaceful community fish, small peaceful catfish, and snails. Avoid large predatory fish, aggressive cichlids, fin-nipping species, very boisterous tankmates, and large shrimp (which may be eaten).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBreeding the Merry Widow is straightforward. This is a prolific livebearer that usually breeds readily in warm, clean water. Males use a gonopodium to fertilize females internally, and fry are free-swimming at birth. Provide fine-leaved plants or cover to protect fry from being eaten by adults.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropical Fish Co is a leading UK aquatics specialist offering hardy and attractive livebearers like the Merry Widow direct to your door. Every fish is quarantined, inspected, and dispatched with expert care to ensure it arrives in peak condition. With decades of experience, transparent pricing, and exceptional customer support, we make it easy to add peaceful, easy-to-keep species to your collection. Order online today and enjoy fast, reliable delivery across the UK.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57427511279951,"sku":"6040","price":2.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/merry-widow-phallichthys-amates-25cm-hero-driftwood-6040.webp?v=1776550019","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/fresh-water-fish-for-sale-uk-merry-widow-phallichthys-amates-6040","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}