Biology:Dusky millions fish
| Dusky millions fish | |
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| The species' wild colors | |
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| "Speckled Kaudi" morph in aquarium | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family: | Poeciliidae |
| Genus: | Phalloceros |
| Species: | P. caudimaculatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Phalloceros caudimaculatus (R. F. Hensel, 1868)
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| Synonyms[2] | |
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Girardinus caudimaculatus Hensel, 1868 | |
The dusky millions fish, (Phalloceros caudimaculatus), also known as the caudo, the leopardfish or the one-spot livebearer, is a species of fish native eastern and southern Brazil, northern Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.[2] It has also been introduced to Australia, Malawi and New Zealand; primarily for mosquito control, but also as escapees from the aquarium trade.[2] It has been reported as having adverse ecological effects in areas where it has been introduced.[2] The females of this species grow to a total length of 6 centimetres (2.4 in), while males remain smaller.[2]
Origins
This species originated in South America.[3] It is mainly a freshwater fish and thrives best in areas with weak water flow.[3] However, it is extremely adaptable and can thrive in a multitude of altered environments.[3] For example, although it prefers temperatures between 16 and 22 °C (61–72 °F), it can survive up to 30 °C (86 °F)[4] and down to 5 °C (41 °F).[3] The species also has a high fecundity.[5]
The dusky millions fish was one of the first species in its family, the Poeciliidae to be bred for aquarium usage.[3] Ecologists also attempted to use the fish as a mosquito control; however, the dusky millions fish's diverse diet affected its efficacy as a control species since the fish can eat a range of different organisms, including algae.[3]
Role as an invasive species
The dusky millions fish was introduced to a variety of ecosystems both by aquarium keepers and as mosquito pest control.[3] The NSW area of Australia has been affected the most by its presence.[3] It reproduces and spreads well in the winter when there is a larger flow of water.[3] Australian ecologists have tried to contain this spread by killing them with rotenone; however, the infestation persists.[3] This species is most likely to be found in shallow areas with varying levels of vegetation, such as local ponds.[5]
The ecological impact of the dusky millions fish in Australia is pronounced. Its diet has affected populations of both native and non-native fish.[5] An example would be the non-native species Gambusia holbrooki.[5] It has similar features as the dusky millions fish, such as a high reproductive rate and use for mosquito control.[5] However, its population in Australia has diminished since the introduction of the dusky millions fish.[5] Furthermore, this dusky millions fish has also affected the food chain, as they have become prey for native bird species.[5]
References
- ↑ Salvador, G.N. (2023). "Phalloceros caudimaculatus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2023. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2023-1.RLTS.T186909A1820204.en. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/186909/1820204. Retrieved 11 February 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Froese, Rainer and Pauly, Daniel, eds. (2015). "Phalloceros caudimaculatus " in FishBase. November 2015 version.
- ↑ 3.00 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 Maddern, M.G. (2008). "Distribution and spread of the introduced One-spot Livebearer Phalloceros caudimaculatus (Pisces: Poeciliidae) in southwestern Australia". Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia 91: 229–235. http://www.rswa.org.au/publications/Journal/91(3)/roy%20soc%20vol%2091%20pt%203%20maddern%20lo-res.pdf. Retrieved November 23, 2015.
- ↑ "Phalloceros caudimaculatus". http://www.seriouslyfish.com/species/phalloceros-caudimaculatus/.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 Rowley, J. J. L.; Rayner, T. S.; Pyke, G. H. (2005-09-01). "New records and invasive potential of the poeciliid fish Phalloceros caudimaculatus". New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 39 (5): 1013–1022. doi:10.1080/00288330.2005.9517372. ISSN 0028-8330. Bibcode: 2005NZJMF..39.1013R.
Wikidata ☰ Q964662 entry
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