Phallichthys tico Bussing 1963

Robust body, with moderate depth; slightly oval. Gonopodium long with apex not reaching the base of the tail. Sides with 8 - 10 dark bars, especially evident in males and young. Ground color is brown, dorsal fin has a black blotch posteriorly (Ref. 36880).

Inhabits stagnant waters over muddy bottoms, in swamps and river backwaters; in low flowing waters that are rarely deeper than 30 cm (Ref. 26130, 36880). Lives between 35 and 600 m elevation at temperatures of 23 - 30°C. Swims in smal groups near the surface of turbid waters, on the shoreline or among the undergrowth. Feeds on unicellular algae, diatoms, ooze and sometimes insect larvae (Ref. 36880).

Inhabits slow flowing waters that are only rarely deeper than 30 cm and connected to standing marshy area; over muddy bottoms (Ref. 26130, 36880). Lives between 35 and 600 m elevation at temperatures of 23-30°C. Swims in small groups near the surface of turbid waters, on the shoreline or among the undergrowth. Feeds on unicellular algae, diatoms, ooze and sometimes insect larvae (Ref. 36880).