Platy

Scientific Name(s): Xiphophorus maculatus

Category: Tropical

Difficulty: *

Maximum Size: 7cms

Minimum Tank Volume: 60 litres

Minimum Tank Size: 24" x 12" x 12"

Water Temperature Range: 20-26°C

Water pH Range: 7.0-8.5

Water Hardness Range: 10-30 dGH

General Information:

Peaceful community fish. Excellent beginner's fish for more alkaline water. Exhibits no aggression, even between males. Now comes in a large variety of line-bred colour morphs and a shoal of these in a planted tank can make a very attractive display. More naturally coloured fish tend to be hardier.

Tank Requirements:

Best kept in a well planted tank as 2 male per 2-3 females to prevent any one female being harassed too much.

Diet Requirements:

Unfussy and will take most foods offered.

Compatibility:

Compatible with other peaceful community fish. Can hybridise wih the closely related Swordtail so not advised to keep these two species together.

Recommendations:

If you don't want to raise fry, keep Platys as a male only group.

Common Problems:

None as long as water is alkaline and pH always above 7.

Similar Species:

           

Swordtail, Guppy, Molly

Sexing: 

Males have a modified anal fin: the gonopodium, which is used to impregnate the females. Females are larger than males.

Breeding:

Breeds readily as often as every 4-6 weeks with fry born live and free-swimming and up to 80 fry per batch. Fry grow quickly and it's easy to be overrun.