Description

Sunset Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

📌 Basic Info

• Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus

• Common Names: Sunset Platy, Sunset Wag Platy, Golden Sunset Platy

• Family: Poeciliidae

• Order: Cyprinodontiformes

• Origin: Central America — native to Mexico, Belize, and Honduras (aquarium-bred varieties worldwide)

• Size: 4 – 6 cm (1.5 – 2.5 inches)

• Lifespan: 3 – 5 years

• Tank Zone: Middle to top

🌊 Water Parameters

• Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)

• pH: 7.0 – 8.2

• Hardness: 10 – 25 dGH

🐠 Characteristics

• Body Shape: Streamlined and oval-shaped typical of platies.

• Coloration: Radiant golden-yellow to orange body, blending into a deeper sunset red hue near the tail. Some strains have contrasting black fins (known as “Sunset Wag”).

• Fins: Rounded fins with smooth edges; males possess a gonopodium.

• Behavior: Peaceful, energetic, and very hardy — great for community setups.

• Special Feature: Its gradient sunset color resembles the hues of a setting sun, making it one of the most attractive platy varieties.

🍽️ Diet

• Type: Omnivorous

• Diet: Flake food, micro-pellets, brine shrimp, daphnia, and blanched vegetables (spinach, zucchini).

• Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily, small portions.

🛠️ Tank Maintenance

• Tank Size: Minimum 40 liters (10 gallons) for a small group.

• Filtration: Moderate filtration with gentle flow.

• Substrate: Fine gravel or sand.

• Decor: Plants, driftwood, and open swimming areas.

• Lighting: Moderate; enhances golden-orange colors beautifully.

• Water Change: 25–30% weekly.

👥 Social Behavior

• Nature: Peaceful and active schooling fish.

• Tank Mates: Guppies, Mollies, Swordtails, Tetras, and Corydoras.

• Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish.

• Breeding: Livebearer — females give birth to fry. Very easy to breed in planted or community aquariums.

✅ Do’s
• Keep in small groups (3 or more).
• Feed a varied diet for bright coloration.
• Add live or artificial plants for cover.

❌ Don’ts
• Avoid large aggressive fish.
• Don’t skip regular water changes.
• Avoid overfeeding — can cause obesity.

⭐ Quick Tip:
The Sunset Platy is a vibrant, peaceful, and beginner-friendly livebearer known for its glowing orange-yellow coloration. It adds warmth and movement to any freshwater aquarium, especially in planted community setups.