Don't want to see ads? Sign up...




Phalloceros caudimaculatus

Phalloceros caudimaculatus

Madrecita
Barrigudinho

Family: Poeciliidae
Order: Cyprinodontiformes
Class: Actinopterygii
Phylum / Division: Chordata
Kingdom: Animalia

 Request change



Filters


Records from Parque 3 de Febrero


Description


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. It has also been introduced to Australia, Malawi and New Zealand; primarily for mosquito control, but also as escapees from the aquarium trade. It has been reported as having adverse ecological effects in areas where it has been introduced. The females of this species grow to a total length of 6 cm, while males remain smaller.

Origins: This species originated in South America. It is mainly a freshwater fish and thrives best in areas with weak water flow. However, it is extremely adaptable and can thrive in a multitude of altered environments. For example, although it prefers temperatures between , it can survive up to and down to . The species also has a high fecundity.

The dusky millions fish was one of the first species in its family, the Poeciliidae to be bred for aquarium usage. 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.

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. The NSW area of Australia has been affected the most by its presence. It reproduces and spreads well in the winter when there is a larger flow of water. Australian ecologists have tried to contain this spread by killing them with rotenone; however, the infestation persists. This species is most likely to be found in shallow areas with varying levels of vegetation, such as local ponds.

The ecological impact of the dusky millions fish in Australia is pronounced. Its diet has affected populations of both native and non-native fish. An example would be the non-native species Gambusia holbrooki. It has similar features as the dusky millions fish, such as a high reproductive rate and use for mosquito control. However, its population in Australia has diminished since the introduction of the dusky millions fish. Furthermore, this dusky millions fish has also affected the food chain, as they have become prey for native bird species.

Source: Wikipedia, article Phalloceros caudimaculatus. Content adapted from Wikipedia, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license. Accessed on 15/07/2026.





Geographic distribution


Loading map...




Species photographs

Last published photographs




 View all photographs of the species




 Add a photography of this species






Species vocalizations

Last vocalizations published



 Add an audio of this species





Species videos

Last filmings published




 Add a film of this species





Species reports



 Detail of places sorted by number of records








Page 1
Record IDDateExact timeCountryProvince / departmentPlaceFilmedPhotographedRecorded vocalObservedHeardWounded or deadNumber of individualsUser or BibliographyDetail
237869611/10/2025ArgentinaCiudad Autónoma de Buenos AiresLago de Regatas, Parque 3 de FebreroAndrea Casaburi
Page 1

 Add a record of this species

📖
Recommended citation
Please use the following reference when citing this species account.
EcoRegistros. 2026. Phalloceros caudimaculatus – Species account. Accessed from www.ecoregistros.org on 14/09/2026.