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