Red Platy

Red Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus

Care Level: Easy
Max Size: 6cm
Diet: Omnivore
Temperature: 20-25°C
PH: 7.0-8.0
Temperament: Peaceful
Purchase Size:2-3cm

The humble platy is one of the best known species in the hobby. Originally collected for aquarium keepers in the early 1900's, it has been bred into a huge array of colours and patterns. To this day, it is one of the most popular fish, favoured especially by beginners and people in hard water areas. This fish is entirely peaceful and undemanding, but it does need hard alkaline conditions to live.

Like all livebearers, platies have a tendency to breed relentlessly and the males can be very persistent. As they are social fish, they need to be kept in groups of 6 or more individuals, ensuring that the females outnumber the males at least three to one. Getting an all male group however will guarantee population control. All female groups can be problematic as it isn't uncommon for females to already be expecting when they are bought. As they are livebearers, the females will carry the eggs within themselves instead of depositing them. The eggs will eventually hatch and the female will quite literally give birth to the fry.

Platies are very peaceful with other tank mates and cause no trouble. It is however worth noting that they require very hard alkaline water that many other species can't tolerate.

Food can be offered in the form of pellets, flakes and fresh or frozen fish foods such as bloodworm, mosquito larvae and brine shrimp.

If you have any questions about keeping the Red Platy and whether they're suitable for you, please contact us and a member of our friendly store team will be more than happy to answer all of your questions

Why not check out our other photos of some of the best livestock to have graced our tanks!