Spotted Livebearer / Caudo (Phalloceros caudimaculatus)

Overview

Spotted Livebearer / Caudo (Phalloceros caudimaculatus) is a small South American poeciliid livebearer with a speckled, natural-looking pattern and easy-going planted-tank behaviour. The fish supplied under SKU 6041 are normally around 3-4 cm. In the trade this spotted aquarium form is often linked with reticulated or speckled strain wording, but the safe scientific anchor for the species is Phalloceros caudimaculatus.

This is not a large display fish. It is a subtle, active group fish for keepers who enjoy small livebearers, planted aquariums and natural movement. It suits mature, calm setups where the fish can graze, explore plant cover and breed without being harassed by larger tank mates.

Exact Fish And Photo

This listing now includes the original reference photo for SKU 6041 alongside the existing planted-aquarium images. The source photo shows the real speckled body pattern, yellow-green fin colour and livebearer shape of this strain.

Appearance

The spotted form is the reason this fish catches attention. The body is small, slim and pale olive to yellowish, with a broken covering of dark speckles and blotches. Fishes of Australia describes the species as yellowish overall with a black blotch on the caudal peduncle, and males can be speckled with dark spots and blotches plus a black dorsal-fin margin. Females are larger and rounder; males stay smaller and carry the modified anal fin typical of livebearers.

FishBase gives maximum size as about 3.5 cm standard length for males/unsexed fish and about 6 cm total length for females. Practical Fishkeeping gives a similar aquarium view, with males a little over 3 cm and females commonly around 6 cm, occasionally larger. Plan for a small fish that still needs group space and stable water.

Natural Habitat

Phalloceros caudimaculatus is native to eastern and southern Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay and northern Argentina. FishBase records freshwater and brackish use, pH 7.0-8.0, dH 9-19 and a 20-24 C tropical range, with the species introduced in several countries. Seriously Fish describes it as unfussy and omnivorous, grazing algae and taking small insects, larvae and crustaceans.

For aquarium care, the important point is adaptability with stability. It is not a fish for dirty water or rough tank mates just because it is hardy. Give it plants, clean water, gentle flow and a calm group, and it becomes much more confident.

Quick Facts

• Scientific name: Phalloceros caudimaculatus
• Common names: Spotted Livebearer, Caudo, Dusky Millions Fish, Leopardfish
• Family: Poeciliidae
• Supplied size: Around 3-4 cm for SKU 6041
• Adult planning: Males around 3.5 cm SL; females around 6 cm TL
• Temperament: Peaceful, active, males can be persistent
• Diet: Omnivore; algae grazing plus small live, frozen and prepared foods
• Best setup: Mature planted species group or very calm small-fish community

Aquarium Setup

Use a mature planted aquarium of 60 litres or more for a small group. Fine gravel or sand, moss, floating plants, Cryptocoryne, Java fern and open swimming lanes all work well. Gentle filtration is better than strong current. Plant cover matters because it reduces male pressure, shelters fry and helps small fish feel secure.

Keep a secure lid and avoid overcrowding. A female-heavy group is sensible because males can be persistent. If you want to raise fry, add dense moss or floating roots and avoid tank mates that will hunt newborns.

Feeding

Feed fine flakes or micro granules, vegetable-rich foods, spirulina or algae flakes, and small live or frozen foods such as daphnia, baby brine shrimp, cyclops and mosquito larvae. The natural diet includes algae grazing and small invertebrate foods, so variety is better than one rich food every day. Small portions help keep water quality high.

Behaviour And Tank Mates

Spotted Livebearers are peaceful and active, best kept in a group where males spread their attention. They can live with calm small fish that like similar water, peaceful snails and adult shrimp in planted tanks. Avoid large predators, fin nippers, boisterous barbs, aggressive cichlids and very delicate soft-water fish. The safest setup is a planted species group or a quiet community built around small peaceful fish.

Breeding Notes

This species is a livebearer and can breed readily once settled. Females give birth to free-swimming fry after roughly a month, and FishBase notes 10-50 young after about 24 days gestation. Provide fine foods and plant cover if you want fry to survive. Because it is an adaptable livebearer with invasive history in some countries, never release unwanted fish or plants into outdoor waterways.

Delivery And Ordering

Order when the aquarium is mature, planted and ready for small livebearers. Tropical Fish Co ships livestock with insulated packing, weather-aware dispatch and a Live Arrival Guarantee. New customers can use WELCOME10 for 10% off their first eligible order. If weather or route conditions are unsuitable, we prioritise the fish and hold dispatch until shipping is safer.