Wagtail Platy care guide
Wagtail Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus var. Wagtail) — minimum tank 60 L, temperature 22-28 °C, pH 7-8.5.
Overview
The Wagtail Platy is a colour variant of Xiphophorus maculatus selectively bred for a solid black caudal and dorsal fin contrasting with a bright body. It retains the hardy, peaceful temperament of the wild form.
Taxonomy
- Family: Poeciliidae
- Genus: Xiphophorus
- Scientific name: Xiphophorus maculatus var. Wagtail
Habitat
The parent species is native to slow-flowing waters of Central America from southern Mexico to Belize, in habitats with moderately hard, slightly alkaline water and dense vegetation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 60 L (15.9 US gal)
- Adult size: 4-6 cm
- Temperature: 22-28 °C (72-82 °F)
- pH: 7-8.5
- GH: 10-25 °dGH
- Water flow: low
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
Diet
An omnivore. Offer a quality flake or pellet diet, blanched vegetables and occasional live or frozen foods.
Compatibility
A peaceful community fish. Keep one male with two or three females. Compatible with other peaceful livebearers, Corydoras and small tetras tolerant of harder water.
Breeding
A prolific livebearer; females give birth to 20-40 fry every four to six weeks. Floating plants or a breeding box improve fry survival.