Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Scientific Name(s): Xiphophorus maculatus, Poecilia maculata, Poecilia maculatus, Platypoecilus aurata, Platypoecilus cyanellus, Platypoecilus maculatus, Platypoecilus maculatus aurata, Platypoecilus maculatus cyanellus, Platypoecilus maculatus sanguinea, Platypoecilus nigra, Platypoecilus pulchra, Platypoecilus rubra, Platypoecilus sanguinea

 

Common Name(s): Platy

 

Family: Poeciliidae

 

Species Type: Livebearers

 

Maximum Size: 2.5 inches

 

Life Span: 3 years

 

Natural Habitat: Central American lakers, river, streams and swamps.

 

Minimum Tank Size: 20 gallons

 

Tank Region: All over

 

Possible Tank Mates: Other community fish.

 

Description: Some salt in the water will do the fish good. Generally very easy to keep, however, excessive inbreeding has weakened many of the commonly available strains. Good water quality should always be maintained.

 

Temperature Range 64°F - 78°F

60°F

65°F

70°F

75°F

80°F

85°F

90°F

 

pH Range 6.8 - 8

pH 5.0

pH 6.0

pH 7.0

pH 8.0

pH 9.0

 

Hardness 10° - 20°

0°

10°

20°

30°

40°

 

Breeding Information: Platies are livebearers. Floating plants will help with the survival of the baby Platies, as the parents may turn cannibalistic. Breeding comes naturally to livebearers, so virtually no effort is needed to breed them. The babies should be removed as soon as they are free swimming to a separate tank to ensure their survival. For good quality offspring, only breed your best specimens. While good for beginners or as a last resort, breeding traps are not a good place to raise fry.

 

Sexing Information: Sex can be easily determined by the male's modified anal fin (gonopodium). Females grow larger and have a more rounded body.

 

Diet: Omnivorous - does well with flake foods but also eats algae.

 

Temperment: Peaceful

 

Common Diseases: None specific to species.

 

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Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)