Xiphophorus variatus
| Common Names: | Parrot Platy Variatus Platy Variegated Platy |
| Synonyms: | Platypoecilus maculatus dorsalis Platypoecilus variatus Platypoecilus variegatus |
| Family: | Poeciliidae |
| Category: | Livebearers |
| Distribution: | America - Central; Southern Mexico |
| Main Ecosystem: | River; lives in shallow, slow-moving rivers |
| Temperament: | Peaceful; a very peaceful little fish ideal for a community tank |
| Diet: | Not Specified; flakes (regular and spriulina); small pellets; algae; insects, insect larvae, worms, Brine Shrimp |
| Care: | A tank measuring 20" (51 cm) with a capacity of 10 gallons (38 L) is sufficient for one pair. Same basic care instructions for X. maculatus . |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 5.1cm (2") Female: 6.9cm (2.7") |
| Water Region: | Not Specified |
| Activity: | Not Specidied |
| Gender: | Females are larger with the triangular shaped anal fin. Males are smaller and possess a gonopodium. |
| Breeding: | After a gestation period of four to seven weeks, a female will have 20-150 live-born fry. The temperature should be raised to 72-81°F (22-27°C). Start feeding the fry with crushed flakes immediately. The young are sexually mature at six or seven months. |
| Variants: | Varieties are available including the Blue Parrot, Marigold, Sunset, Black, and High-finned forms. |
| Comments: | The body coloration is variable, even on the original strain. Usually the flanks are yellowish to orange, to bluish with black spots. The dorsal fin is generally yellow and the caudal fin is red. Females are generally less colorful. |
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| Markings: | Not Specified |
| Mouth: | Upturned |
| Tail: | Not Specified |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | © FishProfiles.com |
| Submitted By: | crazyred |
| Contributors: | crazyred, bettachris |
| History: | View changes to this profile |
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