Platy - Assorted

All our fish, shrimp and corals are bagged with fresh oxygen as well as a heat pack in winter.

When ordering livestock please select the box size and add it to your cart for accurate overnight (1-2 days) shipping costs. A small box can take 1-2 bags and a medium box 6 bags. One bag fits max 10 small (1-3cm) fish or max 2 medium (3-5cm) fish or max 1 large (>5cm) fish.

ONE SPECIES PER BAG. Eg: One bag of 10 neon tetra

Platy (Xiphophorus maculatus)

Description:

• Appearance:

  • Size: Generally grows to about 2-3 inches (5-8 cm) in length.
  • Color: Wide range of colors including red, orange, yellow, blue, and green. Many varieties feature a mix of these colors and may have spots or stripes.
  • Body Shape: Oval-shaped body with a fan-like tail fin. Males have a modified anal fin called a gonopodium used for reproduction.

• Behavior:

  • Activity Level: Active swimmers that are often seen exploring the tank.
  • Social Behavior: Peaceful and sociable. Prefer to be in groups but can adapt to being kept individually or in pairs.

Care Requirements:

• Tank Size:

  • Minimum: 10 gallons (38 liters). Larger tanks provide more stability and space for social interaction.

• Tank Setup:

  • Substrate: Can be kept on a variety of substrates including gravel or sand.
  • Decorations: Provide hiding spots and areas to explore with rocks, driftwood, and plants. Live or artificial plants can offer shelter and improve tank aesthetics.
  • Plants: Live plants are beneficial, providing natural cover and helping with water quality.

• Water Parameters:

  • Temperature: 72-78°F (22-26°C). Stable temperatures within this range are ideal.
  • pH: 6.8-8.0. They are adaptable but prefer slightly alkaline to neutral water.
  • Hardness: Soft to moderately hard water.
  • Filtration: Good filtration is important, but avoid strong currents. A filter with gentle flow is recommended.

• Diet:

  • Primary Food: Omnivorous. Feed a varied diet including high-quality flakes or pellets, live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia, and bloodworms.
  • Supplemental Food: Occasional vegetable matter like spirulina or blanched spinach can be beneficial.

• Behavioral Considerations:

  • Compatibility: Very peaceful and can be kept with a wide range of other community fish, such as tetras, rasboras, and other small, non-aggressive species.
  • Tank Mates: Suitable tank mates include small schooling fish and other peaceful community fish. Avoid keeping with aggressive or fin-nipping species.

• Tank Maintenance:

  • Water Changes: Regular water changes (20-30% weekly) are important to maintain water quality and prevent the buildup of toxins.
  • Cleaning: Regularly clean the tank, check the filter, and manage algae growth. Keep the substrate clean and free of detritus.

• Health Care:

  • Observation: Watch for signs of stress, disease, or injury. Common issues include fin rot and ich (white spot disease).
  • Treatment: Maintain good water quality and promptly address any health issues with appropriate treatments. Consult an aquarium specialist if necessary.

• Additional Notes:

  • Lifespan: Typically 2-3 years with proper care.
  • Breeding: Platies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry. They breed readily, and it is helpful to provide hiding spots for the young to avoid predation by adults