Platy-Red

The platy (scientific name: Xiphophorus maculatus) is a small, colorful freshwater fish that’s extremely popular in home aquariums. Platies are known for being hardy, peaceful, and easy to care for—making them ideal for beginners.

🌈 Appearance

Platies come in many vibrant colors and patterns, including:

• Red

• Orange

• Yellow

• Blue

• Black

• Tuxedo patterns

• Mickey Mouse pattern (distinct black marking near the tail)

They typically grow to about 1.5–2.5 inches (4–6 cm) long.

🏠 Tank Requirements

Minimum Tank Size:

• 10 gallons (larger is better if keeping a group)

Water Conditions:

• Temperature: 70–82°F (21–28°C)

• pH: 7.0–8.2

• Moderate hardness preferred

Tank Setup Tips:

• Provide live or artificial plants for hiding spots

• Gentle filtration

• Regular weekly water changes (25%)

Platies are active swimmers and enjoy some open space.

🐠 Behavior & Temperament

• Peaceful and community-friendly

• Best kept in groups (at least 3–5)

• Very active and social

They do well with other peaceful fish like tetras, mollies, guppies, and corydoras.

🍽️ Diet

Platies are omnivores and easy eaters.

Feed them:

• High-quality flake or pellet food

• Frozen or live foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms)

• Vegetable matter (blanched zucchini, spinach)

Feed small amounts 1–2 times daily.

👶 Breeding

Platies are livebearers, meaning they give birth to free-swimming fry rather than laying eggs.

• Females can give birth every ~4 weeks

• One female can have 20–50 fry at a time

• Keep more females than males (ratio 2–3 females per male) to reduce stress

Fry may need to be separated if you want to raise them, as adults sometimes eat them.

✅ Why Platies Are Great for Beginners

• Hardy and adaptable

• Peaceful temperament

• Bright, attractive colors

• Easy to breed

• Not picky eaters