Platy
Xiphophorus maculatus
About
The southern platyfish is a small Central American livebearer and one of the most common community aquarium fish. Aquarium strains come in many colours and fin shapes. Like other poeciliids, males use a gonopodium and females give birth to live, free-swimming fry. They tolerate a wide range of conditions but do best in clean, moderately hard, slightly alkaline water typical of many tap sources. Peaceful and undemanding, they suit beginners; expect regular breeding if both sexes are kept together.
Feeding & Diet
Flake or small granules; supplement with spirulina, blanched cucumber or zucchini, and occasional frozen brine shrimp or daphnia.
Frequency: 1–2× daily
Include vegetable matter; platies graze on soft algae and benefit from varied foods.
Habitat
Native Region: Central America (Atlantic slope, Mexico to northern Guatemala)
Slow streams, ditches, warm springs, and vegetated margins.
Planted aquarium with swimming space; groups of four or more; several females per male reduces harassment.
Behavior
Activity Level: Moderate
Schooling Size: 4+ recommended
Mid-water shoalers; active but rarely aggressive toward other peaceful species.
Breeding
Difficulty: Easy
Type: Livebearer
Sexual Dimorphism: Males have a gonopodium and often brighter colour; females larger and rounder when gravid.
Fry appear regularly in planted tanks; floating plants or refuges improve survival; separate sexes to pause breeding.
Tank Setup
Substrate: Either
Plant Safe: Yes
Compatible with most community layouts; avoid pairing with fin-nippers if keeping long-finned lines.
Your tanks
Add this species to a saved tank stocking list.
Care Requirements
Similar Livebearer Fish
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