Xiphophorus maculatus
| Common Names: | Common Platy Platy Southern Platyfish |
| Synonyms: | Platypoecilus aurata Platypoecilus cyanellus Platypoecilus maculatus Platypoecilus maculatus aurata Platypoecilus maculatus cyanellus Platypoecilus maculatus sanguinea Platypoecilus nigra Platypoecilus pulchra Platypoecilus rubra Platypoecilus sanguinea Poecilia maculata Poecilia maculatus |
| Family: | Poeciliidae |
| Category: | Livebearers |
| Distribution: | America - Central; Central America. |
| Main Ecosystem: | Lake; Swamps, rivers, and streams |
| Temperament: | Peaceful; Peaceful. Excellent for community tanks or for people new to the hobby. |
| Diet: | Ominvore; Ominvore |
| Care: | Feed with flakes or algae. Bloodworms and brine shrimp are good choices for live/frozen food. Cucumber or zucchini would be welcomed as well. Generally very easy to keep, however, excessive inbreeding has weakened many of the commonly available strains. A ratio of 1 male to 3 females is suggested so the females do not become stressed from being harassed constantly. |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 6cm (2.4") Female: 6cm (2.4") |
| Water Region: | All; All |
| Activity: | Diurnal; Diurnal |
| Gender: | Sex can be easily determined by the male's modified anal fin (gonopodium). Females grow larger and have a more rounded body. |
| Breeding: | 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. |
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| Comments: | Platies are often confused with female swordtails, but are distinguished by their more stout bodies. |
| Main Colours: |
| Markings: | Not Specified |
| Mouth: | Upturned |
| Tail: | Convex |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | © FishProfiles.com |
| Submitted By: | Adam |
| Contributors: | weird22person, platyfish124, ImRandy85 |
| History: | View changes to this profile |
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