Description

Mango Platy 

📌 Basic Info

Scientific Name: Xiphophorus maculatus
Common Names: Mango Platy, Orange-Yellow Platy, Mango Sunset Platy
Family: Poeciliidae
Order: Cyprinodontiformes
Origin: Central America — Mexico, Belize, Guatemala (captive-bred 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: Compact, oval-shaped with smooth curves and rounded fins.
Coloration: Rich mango-orange body with yellow gradients on the belly and tail. Some strains may show red or sunset highlights near the dorsal fin.
Pattern: Solid or light speckling depending on variant.
Behavior: Peaceful, active, and ideal for community tanks.
Special Feature: Vibrant mango-like coloration that brightens the aquarium instantly.

🍽️ Diet

Type: Omnivorous
Diet Includes: Flakes, micro pellets, spirulina, bloodworms, brine shrimp, vegetable matter
Feeding Frequency: 1–2 times daily

🛠️ Tank Maintenance

Tank Size: Minimum 40 liters (10 gallons)
Filtration: Moderate; ensure clean, well-oxygenated water
Substrate: Gravel or sand
Decor: Live plants like Vallisneria, Anubias, Java Fern, and floating plants
Lighting: Medium to bright to enhance orange/yellow tones
Water Change: 25–30% weekly

👥 Social Behavior

Nature: Peaceful, excellent community fish
Tank Mates: Guppies, Mollies, Swordtails, Tetras, Rasboras, Corydoras
Avoid: Fin-nippers or aggressive species
Breeding: Livebearer; females give birth to fry every 4–6 weeks

✅ Do’s
• Maintain more females than males
• Offer varied diet for rich coloration
• Keep water stable and clean

❌ Don’ts
• Avoid overcrowding
• Don’t keep with aggressive fish
• Avoid sudden temperature changes

⭐ Quick Tip
The Mango Platy is a colorful, hardy, and active livebearer perfect for beginners and