Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus · Poeciliidae
Also known as Southern platyfish, Mickey mouse platy
Beginner
Chunky, cheerful livebearer that tolerates a wide range of tap water.
In short: A platy needs at least 60 L (16 US gal), water at 20–27 °C (68–81 °F) and pH 7–8.5. It is peaceful, best kept in groups of 3 or more, and rated beginner to keep.
Updated
- Minimum tank
- 60 L (16 US gal)
- Temperature
- 20–27 °C (68–81 °F)
- pH
- 7–8.5
- Adult size
- 6 cm (2.4 in)
- Group size
- 3+
Care requirements
- Minimum tank volume
- 60 L (16 US gal)
- Temperature
- 20–27 °C (68–81 °F)
- 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
Will it fit your tank?
Sign in and AquaLog compares Platy against every tank you track — volume, water type, temperature and pH — then adds it to your livestock in one tap.
Sign in to check my tanksGuides and lists that mention the platy
- Nitrogen cycle: how to cycle a new aquarium
- How to set up your first freshwater aquarium
- New tank syndrome: signs, fixes and prevention
- Tap or borewell water for an aquarium: is it safe?
- Guppy vs molly: which to choose?
- Why are my fish dying? A step-by-step checklist
- How to keep an aquarium warm in winter in India
- Best fish for a 2 feet tank
- Best freshwater fish for beginners
- Fish for a 60-litre (16-gallon) aquarium
- Fish for hard, alkaline water
- Check the platy with your other fish in the stocking checker
