Platy
Alternative Name(s):
Scientific Name(s): Xiphophorus maculatus
Category: Tropical
Difficulty:
Maximum Size: 7cms
Minimum Tank Volume: 60 litres
Minimum Tank Size: 24" x 12" x 12"
Water Temperature Range: 20-26°C
Water pH Range: 7.0-8.5
Water Hardness Range: 10-30 dGH
General Information: Peaceful community fish. Excellent beginner's fish for more alkaline water. Exhibits no aggression, even between males. Now comes in a large variety of line-bred colour morphs and a shoal of these in a planted tank can make a very attractive display. More naturally coloured fish tend to be hardier.
Tank Requirements: Best kept in a well planted tank as 2 male per 2-3 females to prevent any one female being harassed too much.
Diet Requirements: Unfussy and will take most foods offered.
Compatibility: Compatible with other peaceful community fish. Can hybridise wih the closely related Swordtail so not advised to keep these two species together.
Recommendations: If you don't want to raise fry, keep Platys as a male only group.
Common Problems: None as long as water is alkaline and pH always above 7.
Similar Species: Swordtail, Guppy, Molly
Sexing: Males have a modified anal fin: the gonopodium, which is used to impregnate the females. Females are larger than males.
Breeding: Breeds readily as often as every 4-6 weeks with fry born live and free-swimming and up to 80 fry per batch. Fry grow quickly and it's easy to be overrun.
Author(s): Fishlady | Photo: porsche924 | Views: 18486
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