Xiphophorus maculatus
Platy
A rewarding companion for an owner who has researched its needs honestly. As with every animal on this site, this profile is a starting point: confirm details with a vet or specialist before bringing one home.
PoeciliidaeLifespan 3–5 yearsCare complexity 1/5Suitable for beginners
Representative fish photography; individual appearances vary.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Xiphophorus maculatus
- Family
- Poeciliidae
- Origin
- Central America
- Lifespan
- 3–5 years
- Adult size
- 5–7 cm
- Weight
- 1–2 g
- Temperament
- Peaceful, active and hardy livebearer available in many colours.
- Activity level
- Moderate; constantly on the move.
- Social needs
- Gregarious; keep in small groups with more females than males.
- Intelligence
- Modest; learns feeding routines.
- Noise
- Silent.
Housing and environment
- Housing
- Minimum 60 litres for a small group, planted with cover.
- Space requirement
- Community tank fish.
- Temperature
- 21–27 °C.
- Humidity
- Not applicable.
- Exercise
- Active swimmer in the mid-water column.
- Grooming
- Not applicable.
Diet and feeding
Omnivorous flake or small pellets plus vegetable matter.
Behaviour and compatibility
Breeds readily; expect fry unless you keep a single sex.
- With children
- Excellent first fish for families.
- With other animals
- Good community fish with other peaceful species.
- Training difficulty
- Not trainable.
Health
- Ich
- Fin rot
- Livebearer stress from harassment by males
Quarantine new fish for two weeks before adding them to an established tank.
Special care requirements
See the housing, diet and health sections — this species has needs that are easy to underestimate.