Source: Wikimedia Commons
Platy
BeginnerXiphophorus maculatus
Colorful and hardy livebearing fish. Perfect for beginners and easy to breed. Highly adaptable to various water conditions.
Difficulty
Beginner
Temperature
22〜28℃
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
4-6cm
Diet
Pellets (eats anything)
About
The platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a livebearer native to slow-moving rivers, ponds, and swamps of southern Mexico and Guatemala. Compact and roundly built at 4–6 cm, its popularity stems from dazzling color variety — red, yellow, sunset, mickey mouse (named for the distinctive tail-base pattern), and many more selectively bred strains. Among the hardiest of all aquarium fish, platys tolerate a wide range of water conditions and are highly recommended for beginners. They prefer slightly alkaline, moderately hard water (pH 7.0–8.0) at 22–28°C; a small mineral supplement can support overall health. Peaceful by temperament, they coexist well with most small tropical species. As prolific livebearers, females give birth to 20–60 fry every four weeks under favorable conditions. In community tanks, adults may consume fry, so dense plantings or breeding traps are used when raising young. Diet is omnivorous — quality flake food, micro pellets, and occasional frozen foods all accepted readily.
Basic Info
Origin
rivers, ponds, and swamps of southern Mexico and Guatemala
Lifespan
3-5 years
Size
4-6cm
Temperature
22〜28℃
Diet
Pellets (eats anything)
Care Guide
Tank
30cm+ tank sufficient
Water Quality
Care Specifications
- pH
- 7–8
- Hardness (GH)
- 9–19 dGH
- Water Temp.
- 18–25℃
- Min. Tank
- 54 L
PeacefulGroupBreeding: Easy
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: br-choku editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Accepted name: Xiphophorus maculatus (Günther, 1866)
Synonyms: Platypoecilus aurata Stoye, 1935, Platypoecilus cyanellus Meinken, 1935, Platypoecilus maculatus Günther, 1866, Platypoecilus maculatus aurata Stoye, 1935, Platypoecilus maculatus cyanellus Meinken, 1935, Platypoecilus maculatus maculatus
Authority databases: FishBase · GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not CITES-listed
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish / CITES Appendices (Checklist)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Platy Listings
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