Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus · Poeciliidae
Also known as Southern platyfish, Mickey mouse platy
Beginner
Chunky, cheerful livebearer that tolerates a wide range of tap water.
- Minimum tank
- 60 L
- Temperature
- 20–27 °C
- pH
- 7–8.5
- Adult size
- 6 cm
- Group size
- 3+
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Sign in to check my tanksCare requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 60 L
- Temperature
- 20–27 °C
- pH
- 7–8.5
- Hardness
- 8–25 dGH
- Lifespan
- 2–4 years
- Diet
- Omnivore — flake, pellets, blanched vegetables.
- Care level
- Beginner
Origin & habitat
- Native region
- Mexico and Central America
- Water type
- Freshwater
- Biotope
- Warm, weedy canals and slow rivers
- Natural conditions
- Hard, alkaline water with plenty of plants.
Behaviour & stocking
- Temperament
- Peaceful
- Minimum group
- 3 fish
- Swims
- All levels
- Good tank mates
- GuppyCorydorasBristlenose plecoMolly
- Avoid
- Aggressive cichlidsTiger barb
Breeding & difficulty
- Breeding difficulty
- Beginner
- Sexing
- Males have a gonopodium instead of a fan-shaped anal fin.
- Notes
- Livebearer; keep two or three females per male to spread attention.
- Common ailments
- IchShimmies in soft water
