Platy care guide
Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus) — minimum tank 40 L, temperature 20-26 °C, pH 7-8.2. Peaceful middle-water species.
Overview
The Southern Platyfish (Xiphophorus maculatus) is a hardy livebearer native to Central America, available in many selectively bred colour morphs including red, orange, blue and calico. The species is peaceful, simple to keep and well suited to community aquaria with moderately hard water.
Taxonomy
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Genus: Xiphophorus
- Scientific name: Xiphophorus maculatus
- Common synonyms: Southern Platyfish
Habitat
Wild populations occur from Veracruz, Mexico, south to northern Belize. The species inhabits slow-moving waters of canals, ditches and warm springs, often in habitats with abundant vegetation and a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 40 L (10.6 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-6 cm
- Temperature: 20-26 °C (68-79 °F)
- pH: 7-8.2
- GH: 10-25 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 2-4 years
Diet
An omnivore that takes both plant and animal matter. In aquaria a high-quality flake or pellet diet supplemented with vegetable matter (blanched spinach, spirulina) and occasional live or frozen foods such as daphnia and brine shrimp keeps the fish in good condition.
Compatibility
A peaceful community fish that tolerates similar livebearers (Guppy, Molly, Swordtail), Corydoras and small tetras. Avoid keeping with large or aggressive cichlids and species that need significantly softer or more acidic water.
Breeding
A prolific livebearer; females give birth to approximately 20-40 live fry per brood. Sexual maturity is reached within three to four months in captivity. Provide floating plants or a separate nursery to improve fry survival.