{"product_id":"four-spot-merry-widow-phallichthys-quadripunctatus","title":"Four-Spot Merry Widow (Phallichthys quadripunctatus)","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Four-Spot Merry Widow (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhallichthys quadripunctatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) is a rare freshwater livebearer that offers something genuinely different for aquarium enthusiasts. Native to Costa Rica, this small, peaceful species is recognized for the distinctive dark markings along its body, including the spots that give it its common name. Its understated coloration and unusual appearance make it especially appealing to aquarists interested in lesser-known livebearing fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUnlike the familiar guppies, mollies, and platies found in most aquarium stores, the Four-Spot Merry Widow is seldom encountered in the aquarium hobby. Its limited availability makes it an exciting addition for enthusiasts who appreciate uncommon species, natural coloration, and the opportunity to maintain a fish that is rarely offered for sale.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur Four-Spot Merry Widows are offered in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocally Bred\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUSA Bred\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e sourcing variants, depending on availability. Our current offering is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLocally Bred\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, raised by a domestic breeder rather than collected from the wild. These captive-bred fish provide an opportunity to enjoy and help maintain a distinctive livebearing species within the aquarium hobby.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat We Love About This Fish\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-spread=\"false\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA Rare Livebearer:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e An uncommon species that stands apart from the guppies, mollies, and platies typically available in the aquarium trade.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDistinctive Natural Markings:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Dark spots and subtle body coloration give the Four-Spot Merry Widow a unique appearance.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeaceful Community Potential:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e A small livebearer well suited to thoughtfully planned aquariums with compatible, non-aggressive fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCaptive-Bred Availability:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Locally Bred and USA Bred sourcing options support the continued availability of this difficult-to-find species.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eQuick Care Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCare Level:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Moderate – A peaceful but uncommon livebearer that benefits from stable water conditions, a mature aquarium, and careful tank mate selection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperament:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Peaceful – Generally non-aggressive toward similarly sized fish, although males may display and compete for female attention.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDiet:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Omnivore – Accepts high-quality micro pellets, finely crushed flakes, small live or frozen foods, and naturally occurring microorganisms.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaximum Adult Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Approximately 1.5–2 inches (3.8–5 cm), with females generally growing larger than males.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 15 gallons – Provides swimming space and room for a small breeding group. A 20-gallon long aquarium is recommended for larger groups.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSwimming Zone:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Middle to Upper – Explores planted areas and open swimming spaces while foraging throughout the aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSchooling Requirement:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Social Group – Keep at least 6 individuals when possible, preferably with more females than males. Four-Spot Merry Widows are social livebearers rather than tightly schooling fish.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Costa Rica, Central America – Naturally inhabits freshwater environments with aquatic vegetation and relatively gentle water movement.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eApproximate Purchase Size:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Varies by availability – Juvenile and subadult specimens may be offered depending on the breeding source and current inventory.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1 data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRecommended Water Parameters \u0026amp; Aquarium Requirements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Four-Spot Merry Widow (\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePhallichthys quadripunctatus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e) thrives in a mature freshwater aquarium with stable water chemistry, gentle water movement, and plenty of aquatic vegetation. Unlike some of the more adaptable livebearers commonly found in the hobby, this uncommon species benefits from consistent conditions and careful attention to water quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWater Parameters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTemperature: 72–79°F (22–26°C)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA stable temperature within this range supports normal activity, feeding, and reproduction. Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epH: 7.0–8.0\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNeutral to moderately alkaline water is a practical starting point for maintaining Four-Spot Merry Widows. Stability is more important than attempting to achieve an exact pH.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGeneral Hardness (GH): 6–15 dGH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eModerately mineralized water provides a reasonable starting range for this livebearing species. When available, match the conditions used by the breeder.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarbonate Hardness (KH): 3–10 dKH\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdequate carbonate hardness helps maintain stable pH and reduces the likelihood of sudden changes in water chemistry.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAmmonia \u0026amp; Nitrite: 0 ppm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBoth should remain undetectable in an established, properly maintained aquarium.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNitrate: Below 20 ppm Preferred\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegular water changes, appropriate stocking levels, and healthy plant growth help maintain good water quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Requirements\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMinimum Aquarium Size: 15 Gallons\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA 15-gallon aquarium provides room for a small group, while a 20-gallon long aquarium offers additional swimming space and greater flexibility for maintaining a breeding colony.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFiltration \u0026amp; Water Movement\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse gentle to moderate filtration that provides biological filtration and oxygenation without creating excessive current. Sponge filters and adjustable-flow filters are suitable choices.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquatic Plants \u0026amp; Shelter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDense plant growth, floating vegetation, and fine-leaved plants provide security for adults and hiding places for newborn fry. Leave open areas for swimming and feeding.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSubstrate \u0026amp; Lighting\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFine gravel or sand works well, particularly when combined with planted areas. Moderate lighting supports plant growth while shaded areas help the fish feel secure.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquarium Maturity \u0026amp; Stability\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIntroduce Four-Spot Merry Widows only to fully cycled aquariums. Consistent maintenance and gradual changes in water conditions are especially important when keeping uncommon livebearers.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGroup Size \u0026amp; Social Structure\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMaintain a small group rather than a single fish. When keeping both sexes, a female-heavy ratio helps distribute male courtship attention and supports more natural social behavior.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAquatic Arts Tip\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAsk about the breeder's water parameters when acquiring Four-Spot Merry Widows.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Because this species is rarely available and typically maintained through small captive-breeding programs, matching the conditions in which the fish were raised can be more valuable than chasing a narrowly defined set of numbers. Make any necessary adjustments gradually.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquatic Arts","offers":[{"title":"1 Male (Locally Bred)","offer_id":67848146583919,"sku":"FourSpotMerryWidowM01","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"1 Female (Locally Bred)","offer_id":67848146616687,"sku":"FourSpotMerryWidowF01","price":11.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1163\/2672\/files\/4-Spot-Merry-Widow_-LB-AA-edited-1.jpg?v=1792785240","url":"https:\/\/aquaticarts.com\/products\/four-spot-merry-widow-phallichthys-quadripunctatus","provider":"Aquatic Arts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}