Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
The ultimate beginner livebearer. Available in every colour imaginable — red, blue, sunburst, tuxedo, Mickey Mouse, and dozens more. Hardy, peaceful, colourful, and easy to breed.
Buy Platy →Quick Facts
Water Parameters
Natural Habitat
Slow-moving streams and ditches in Central America. Prefers warm, hard, slightly alkaline water.
Central America
Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras
Feeding
Omnivorous — flake, pellets, frozen foods, blanched vegetables, algae. Will eat almost anything.
Compatible Tank Mates
Good Matches
Avoid
Breeding
Livebearer. Females produce 20-80 fry every 4-6 weeks. Prolific — population management needed.
Care Tips
Hardy enough for cycling a tank (but we don't recommend it)
Prefer harder, alkaline water — not ideal for soft water setups
Prolific breeders — consider all-male or all-female groups
Available in stunning colour varieties
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