Fourspotted toothcarp

Phallichthys quadripunctatus

Silvery-brown sides usually carry four dark spots; males are smaller with a conspicuous gonopodium.

Adult length: Up to 3.5 cm (standard length, without the tail fin)
Water temperature: 20–30 °C
pH: 7–8
Hardness: 5–12 dGH

Natural habitat: Inhabits slow creeks and small stagnant pools, gathering in shallow water or among vegetation.

Appearance and identification

Look for separate dark flank spots rather than four neat circles in every photograph; pose, lighting and scale pattern affect visibility. Contrast these spots with the dark dorsal sector of P. tico. Mature males are smaller and have a conspicuous gonopodium.