Description
🐟 Platy Fish (Xiphophorus maculatus)
📌 Basic Info
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Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus
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Family: Poeciliidae
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Origin: Central America (Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras)
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Size: 2 – 3 inches (5 – 7 cm)
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Lifespan: 2 – 4 years
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Tank Zone: Mid to top swimmers
🌊 Water Parameters
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TDS: 200 – 500 ppm
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pH: 7.0 – 8.2
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Temperature: 22 – 28°C (72 – 82°F)
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Hardness: 10 – 30 dGH
🐟 Characteristics
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Peaceful, hardy, and colorful livebearers.
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Come in many varieties (Sunset, Mickey Mouse, Red Wagtail, Tuxedo, Gold, Blue, Hi-fin, etc.).
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Males are smaller and slimmer; females are larger and rounder.
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They are livebearers – give birth to free-swimming fry.
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Very beginner-friendly and great for community tanks.
🍽️ Food
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Type: Omnivorous
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Diet: Flake food, micro pellets, algae wafers, blanched veggies (spinach, cucumber, zucchini), live/frozen foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms).
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Feeding: 1–2 times daily in small amounts.
🛠️ Maintenance
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Tank Size: Minimum 10–15 gallons (larger if in groups).
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Filtration: Gentle to moderate filtration.
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Substrate & Decor: Plants, hiding spots, and open swimming areas.
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Water Change: 25–30% weekly.
👥 Social Behavior
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Minimum Group Size: Best in groups of at least 4–6.
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Tank Mates: Guppies, Mollies, Swordtails, Corydoras, Tetras, peaceful Gouramis.
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Avoid: Aggressive or fin-nipping fish.
✅ Do’s
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Keep a ratio of 1 male to 2–3 females.
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Provide live or artificial plants for fry survival.
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Keep water clean and stable.
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Allow space for active swimming.
❌ Don’ts
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Don’t overcrowd – they breed quickly.
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Don’t mix with aggressive cichlids.
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Don’t keep in very soft acidic water.
⭐ Quick Tips
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Excellent choice for beginners.
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Easy to breed – females can give birth to 20–50 fry every month.
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Active, peaceful, and colorful – perfect for community aquariums
