| Phalloceros | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cyprinodontiformes |
| Family: | Poeciliidae |
| Genus: | Phalloceros |
| Species | |
Phalloceros is a genus of livebearer fish.
P. caudimaculatus (One-Spot Livebearer) is native to central South America, growing to 60mm. Following its introduction to Australia as an aquarium fish, it has escaped and naturalised in local waterways.
In Perth, Western Australia its range has been expanding significantly. It competes with indigenous species for food and habitat, and is thought also to prey upon the fry of indigenous fish, and small tadpoles.
21 new species have also been described by Brazilian livebearer expert Paulo Lucinda. The 21 new species described in the study are: P. alessandrae, P. anisophallos, P. aspilos, P. buckupi, P. elachistos, P. enneaktinos, P. harpagos, P. heptaktinos, P. leptokeras, P. leticiae, P. lucenorum, P. malabarbai, P. megapolos, P. mikrommatos, P. ocellatus, P. pellos, P. reisi, P. spiloura, P. titthos, P. tupinamba, and P. uai.[1]