Fin's Fish Guide
The Picotee livebearer (Phallichthys fairweatheri) is a freshwater fish of the family Poeciliidae that grows up to 4 cm.
Central America; densely vegetated, slow-flowing and still waters of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Description
The picotee livebearer is a small livebearing toothcarp of the family Poeciliidae from Central America, including the Yucatan Peninsula. The species grows to only about 4 cm; females are larger than the males, which have a long rod-like gonopodium. It inhabits densely vegetated, slow-flowing and standing waters. As an omnivore it feeds on small zooplankton, insect larvae, algae and detritus. Like other livebearers the female gives birth to live young after internal fertilisation. Owing to limited data the species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD). Owing to its small size it is harmless to humans.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Picotee livebearer?
The Picotee livebearer has an elongate, eel-like body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Ovoviviparous small toothcarp; males with a long gonopodium, data deficient (DD).
Where does the Picotee livebearer live?
The Picotee livebearer lives in fresh water and is mostly found around open water. Central America; densely vegetated, slow-flowing and still waters of the Yucatán Peninsula.
How big does the Picotee livebearer get?
The Picotee livebearer grows to a maximum of about 4 cm.
Is the Picotee livebearer dangerous to humans?
No, the Picotee livebearer is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Picotee livebearer edible?
The Picotee livebearer is not usually eaten.
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
For anglers
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Phallichthys
More from the family Poeciliidae
Want the complete picture on the Picotee livebearer?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Picotee livebearer is one of 12,519 species in the app.