Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
Poeciliidae
About
The platy is a robust, brightly coloured livebearer from the fresh waters of Central America, ranging from southern Mexico to Belize and Guatemala. Domesticated for over a century, it now exists in a huge palette of reds, yellows, blues and patterned varieties such as wagtail and mickey-mouse. Peaceful, tolerant of a wide temperature range and undemanding of exact water chemistry, platies suit community tanks and beginners alike. Like other poeciliids they are prolific livebearers, so a species tank will quickly fill with fry.
Care
Keep small groups in hard, neutral-to-alkaline water 18-26°C, ideally more females than males. Feed a veggie-rich omnivore diet; breeds readily.
Diet
Omnivore that leans herbivorous; algae/spirulina flake, blanched veg and occasional live foods.
Tankmate compatibility
Possible with care (32)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.