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.
