 | Freshwater > Fish > Poeciliidae |
 | | | |  | Xiphophorus Maculatus (Platy) |  |  |
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 | Quick Ref. |  | |  Species: Xiphophorus Maculatus
| Geo. Location: Mexico, Guatemala
| PH: 7.0 - 8.2
| Temperature: 68 - 79F
| Water Hardness: 9 - 20dh
| Size: 3.0"
| Diet: Flakes, live/frozen/dry foods
| Difficulty: 2
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| | | | | | Notes: Xiphophorus Maculatus is an active fish that lives in the shaded rivers of Mexico and Guatemala where waters are clear and oxygenated. Very hardy and quite attractive, this fish is very popular among beginners. Its easiness to breed is also a factor for its popularity.
Because of this popularity, Platys have been bred extensively. Numbers of colors are now available. Among all the varieties we can find Wagtail, Tuxedo, Red and Sunset platys (Click Here for pictures of these varieties). Wild Platys found in South America are usually very difficult to find in fish stores. Their poor color (greyish) would not generate enough enthusiasm for people to buy them. It is unfortunate that this species suffers from the extensive breeding that often leads to disformation and other diseases. Like many other livebearers (Guppies, Swordtail), Platys have lost their natural beauty to trade and business.
This fish remains however a great addition to community tanks. Vey similar to its cousin, Xiphophorus Helleri, Platys do not have the sword extension than Swordtails have. At least two females must be kept for a male. A minimum of 10 gallons of water is required to keep a trio happy and a 20 gallons tank would be even better. Water must be clean and changed on a frequent basis. Platys are very peaceful and get along perfectly with other livebearers or Characins. Big fish are not recommended. The tank will have to be provided with lots of plants for them to hide and long open swimming areas. Riccia Fluitans as well as Java Moss is recommended if you would like to raise their fry. Xiphophorus Maculatus likes hard water and bright lighting. A dark substrat is usually appreciated. Platys usually live between two to 3 years.
| Breeding: Breeding Platys is very easy. As long as you have a pair, this fish will breed on regular basis. No particular water conditions are required.
Males have a gonopodium under their anal fin. Females have a gravid spot (dark spot) instead and are usually slightly bigger. Females can have up to 4 batches of fry with only one fertilization. You may therefore get fry even if you only got females. Spawning happens 4 to 6 weeks apart. When ready to spawn, this livebearer (give birth to already formed young) will hide under a leaf or near a piece of rock. Youngs will eat crushed flakes as their first food and will grow rapidly. They will reach sexual maturity after 3 to 4 months.
If kept in a same tank, Platys can crossbreed with Swordtails. It is very important to provide the male with several females. If kept with only one female, the male would harrass her so much than she could get sick and even die. Two females for a male is a minimum and four to five is better, especially if you plan on breeding them.
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| | | Readers comments & pictures: Xiphophorus Maculatus | | |
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| david - 2006-04-23 11:09:57 | Picture |  | | | not sure weather this fish is male or female | |
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| bryan - 2007-02-27 20:15:21 | Picture | | | | i cant tell if i have male or female fish or both. i need some help figureing out i would really like to breed them. i have 5 fish. also will they breed in a 46 gallon tank that is what i have. | |
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