Platy

Xiphophorus maculatus

Family : Poeciliidae

FishFreshwaterpoeciliids

The platy is a small freshwater fish popular in aquariums, easy to keep and breed.

Platy — photo 1 sur 4 — Usien · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.01 / 4

Popularity

Community fish

classic in freshwater aquarium

Availability

Common in shops

Shop availability

IUCN Status

Least Concern

Biotope

Caribbean+1

Récifs de l'Atlantique Ouest tropical.

Description

The platy typically reaches 4-6 cm. It has a robust body and a rounded caudal fin. Males are smaller and have a gonopodium. Many color varieties exist. It is a peaceful and schooling fish. It is ovoviviparous, giving birth to live fry.

Habitat

Region :

The platy inhabits freshwater and brackish waters of slow-moving rivers and canals, with dense vegetation and sandy or muddy bottoms. It is often found in shallow, sunlit areas.

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature22–26 °C

pH7–8

GH10–20 °dGH

KH5–15 °dKH

NO₃

≤ 20 mg/L

PO₄

≤ 0.5 mg/L

Care

Difficulty

1/5

Diet

Omnivore

Min. tank

60 L

Min. group

Adult size

5 cm

Lifespan

3 years

Temperament

Peaceful

Propagation

Ovovivipare, les femelles donnent naissance à des alevins vivants toutes les 4-6 semaines.

Care notes

The platy is very easy to keep. A tank of at least 60 liters is recommended for a small group. Ideal temperature 22-26°C, pH 7.0-8.0, moderate hardness. It accepts all types of food: flakes, pellets, brine shrimp. It is peaceful and gets along with other similar-sized fish. It prefers a planted tank with open swimming areas. Gentle filtration is sufficient. Regular water changes are important.

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