Sunset Platy

Sunset Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus

Care Level: Easy
Max Size: 6cm
Diet: Omnivore
Temperature: 20-25°C
PH: 7.0-8.0
Temperament: Peaceful
Purchase Size:3-4cm

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. To this day, it is one of the most popular fish, favoured especially by beginners and people in hard water areas. This fish is peaceful and entirely 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 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 don't tend to eat their own fry as long as there's plenty of food.

Ideal tank mates would be other livebearers, such as mollies, swords and guppies. Other hard water species such as bumblebee gobies and rainbowfish can also be considered.

Food can be offered in the form of micro pellets, as well as fresh or frozen fish foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp and bloodworm.

If you have any questions about keeping the Sunset Platy and whether it's suitable for your tank, please contact us and a member of our team will be able to advise you.

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